Indian women's hockey team forward Deepika has been nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her sensational solo goal against the Netherlands during the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season. The nominations for the award were released on Friday, July 4, 2025, and hockey fans around the world can vote until July 14 at 3:29 a.m. IST.

Deepika's remarkable goal occurred in February 2025, during the Bhubaneswar leg of the Pro League, in a match where India defeated the Netherlands in a shootout after a 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium. In the 35th minute, with India trailing, Deepika received the ball on the left flank and embarked on a dazzling run. She skillfully dribbled past the Dutch defense, kissed the baseline, and cleverly chipped the ball over a defender's stick before unleashing a fantastic shot past the goalkeeper into the net.

Deepika expressed her excitement and gratitude upon learning of her nomination. "That goal against the Netherlands is one of the most special moments of my career," she stated. "Everything just clicked, and it helped us equalize and win the game in the shootout. I'm honored to be nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award and grateful for the support of our fans. Moments like these are what we train so hard for". She also acknowledged the role of her coaches and teammates in making the goal possible.

The Poligras Magic Skill Award celebrates the most outstanding moment or goal of the FIH Hockey Pro League season, with the winner being decided by a global vote of hockey fans. Besides Deepika, other nominees include Patricia Alvarez of Spain for her 3D skills against Australia, and a brilliant team goal by the Australian women's team against England.

This nomination highlights Deepika's exceptional talent and skill, further solidifying her position as a key player in the Indian women's hockey team. Her goal not only showcased her individual brilliance but also contributed to a crucial victory for India against a top-ranked opponent.