Hockey: Deepika becomes first Indian to win Poligras Magic Skill Award

New Delhi: Deepika, an Indian women’s hockey forward, made history by becoming the first Indian to win the esteemed Poligras Magic Skill Award. She received this international honor after fans worldwide voted for her spectacular solo goal against the Netherlands during the Bhubaneswar leg of the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League. The 21-year-old player gained.

New Delhi: Deepika, an Indian women’s hockey forward, made history by becoming the first Indian to win the esteemed Poligras Magic Skill Award. She received this international honor after fans worldwide voted for her spectacular solo goal against the Netherlands during the Bhubaneswar leg of the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League.

The 21-year-old player gained global acclaim for her remarkable run and finish in the 35th minute of the match against the Netherlands, who are ranked number one in the world. In a tense game that ended in a 2-2 draw and was decided in a shootout, India was trailing 0-2 when Deepika sliced through the Dutch defense on the left flank. She dribbled along the baseline, skillfully dinked the ball over a defender’s stick, and successfully scored past the goalkeeper, opening India’s scoring and igniting the team’s come-from-behind victory.

Expressing her joy, Deepika said, “I am truly honored to receive this award. Scoring that goal against such a tough opponent like the Netherlands was a special moment for me. This recognition means a lot.” She also credited her teammates, coaches, family, and friends for their unwavering support and inspiration. “This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to Indian hockey. Let’s keep pushing forward together,” she added.

The Poligras Magic Skill Award honors the most creative and skillful moments in the FIH Hockey Pro League, with selections made through votes from fans around the world. Deepika’s goal was one of three women’s nominations, alongside Spain’s Patricia Alvarez and Australia’s women’s team.

Ultimately, the award was decided solely through a global fan vote, and Deepika emerged as the winner, marking a historic milestone for Indian hockey.

In the men’s category, Belgium’s Victor Wegnez took home the award for his brilliant midfield play, which resulted in a team goal against Spain.