Prince Deep Singh on Double Hockey India Award Nominations: A Rising Star's Journey
For a player yet to make his senior international debut, Prince Deep Singh's ascent in Indian hockey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 21-year-old goalkeeper, currently training at the Senior Men's National Camp, has earned nominations in two prestigious categories at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025, set to be held on March 27, 2026, in New Delhi.
Dual Nominations and Early Recognition
Prince Deep Singh finds himself nominated for the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year 2025 and the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Men - Under 21). This recognition is particularly remarkable given his relatively recent entry into the international scene with the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team in 2024.
"I feel very happy and proud," Prince expressed with quiet conviction. "It usually takes time to get nominated for such awards, but I got this opportunity early. Performing well in tournaments and seeing my name among the top goalkeepers motivates me a lot."
Accolades and Key Performances
His journey has been marked by significant achievements, including:
- A Gold medal at the FIH Junior Asia Cup 2024
- A Silver medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025
- A Bronze medal at the FIH Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025
Additionally, he was named 'Goalkeeper of the Tournament' in the Men's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 while playing for Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons.
Pressure Moments and Mental Fortitude
Prince's growth has been shaped by high-pressure situations, such as the FIH Junior Men's World Cup 2025 quarter-final against Belgium. "That match was do-or-die for us," he recalled. "We conceded late, and it went into a shootout. My teammates kept telling me, 'You have played well, you will do it.' When I made the early saves, it reduced pressure on the team. The crowd, the noise boosted my confidence."
He emphasized the mental demands of goalkeeping, stating, "There is always pressure from the crowd and match situations. I start preparing mentally a day before, focusing on rest, planning, and staying clear in my mind. During the game, communication helps me stay in control."
Humble Beginnings and Transition
Hailing from Pathankot, Prince did not start as a goalkeeper. Initially a full-back at the Cheema Hockey Academy in Batala, he balanced hockey with weekend football games. "I used to play as a goalkeeper in football and made some good saves. My coaches noticed my height and reach and suggested I try goalkeeping in hockey. That's how everything started," he explained.
Learning from Elite Company
Despite not yet earning his senior cap, Prince's nomination alongside established goalkeepers like Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Suraj Karkera places him in elite company. "India has a strong pool of goalkeepers. To be nominated among them, even before my senior debut, feels special. It gives me confidence that I am on the right path," he said.
Clearing Doubts and Future Ambitions
This recognition has been a significant validation for the young athlete. "This clears a lot of doubts I had about myself. Now I know I'm doing something right. I just want to keep improving and build on this," he added.
He highlighted the importance of awards like the Hockey India Annual Awards, noting, "These awards are a big source of motivation, especially for young players. Even getting nominated is a huge achievement and inspires us to do better."
Looking ahead, Prince signed off with a clear goal: "My dream is to become the main goalkeeper for the Indian senior team and win a Gold medal at the Olympics."
