Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary Shine at Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards

Overview

Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary were named Best Male and Female Athletes at the first-ever Indian Athletics Awards in New Delhi. Legends like PT Usha received Lifetime Achievement honours. The event celebrated the outstanding performances of Indian athletes in the 2025 season.

A Night to Celebrate India's Sporting Heroes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) hosted the first-ever Indian Athletics Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The event was a grand celebration of the country's top track and field stars. It brought together athletes from different generations to honour excellence in the sport.

The awards ceremony featured 10 categories. These included Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by World Athletics Vice President Adille J Sumariwalla and other international dignitaries.

Neeraj Chopra: Best Male Athlete of the Year

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was named the Best Male Athlete of the Year for 2025. The two-time Olympic medallist received the award just hours after competing at the Doha Diamond League.

The 28-year-old had a stellar 2025 season. He made history by becoming the first Indian to cross the 90-metre mark in javelin. He achieved this remarkable throw of 90.23 metres at the Doha Diamond League. He also won the Paris Diamond League and the NC Classic in Bengaluru.

Despite an eighth-place finish at the World Championships in Tokyo, Chopra's season remained highly competitive. He had been recovering from a back injury sustained before the World Championships.

Receiving the award, Chopra said, "This award is very close to my heart. The old and new generation of athletes are here. I am very happy to have received the award in front of them".

Parul Chaudhary: Best Female Athlete of the Year

Distance runner Parul Chaudhary was honoured as the Best Female Athlete of the Year. She is the national record holder in the women's 3000m steeplechase.

Chaudhary had an impressive 2025 season. She won gold medals in both the women's 3000m steeplechase and 5000m events at the Asian Championships. She has emerged as one of India's most consistent performers on the international stage.

"I am grateful to my coaches, support staff and family for their constant support. I hope my journey encourages more young girls to take up athletics and pursue their dreams," she said.

Both Chopra and Chaudhary received cash awards of Rs 10 lakh each.

Lifetime Achievement Awards for Legends

Four legendary figures received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their extraordinary contributions to Indian athletics.

PT Usha , the legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association president, was among the recipients. Known as the 'Payyoli Express', she has inspired generations of athletes.

Anju Bobby George , the World Championships bronze medallist in long jump, was also honoured.

Gurbachan Singh Randhawa , the former Asian Games decathlon champion, received the award.

Bahadur Singh Chauhan , the former national athletics coach, was also recognised.

Each Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was honoured with Rs 5 lakh.

Emerging Athletes and Other Award Winners

The ceremony also focused on encouraging the next generation of talent.

Shahnavaz Khan  (long jump) was named the Best Emerging Male Athlete.

Pooja  (high jump) was named the Best Emerging Female Athlete.

Both emerging athletes received Rs 2.5 lakh each.

Other major award winners included:

A New Chapter for Indian Athletics

The Indian Athletics Awards mark a new chapter for the sport in India. AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo said the awards are a platform to celebrate excellence and recognise every stakeholder.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said Indian athletics has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last decade. These awards will further strengthen India's sporting ecosystem.

The event successfully brought together icons from both past and present. It celebrated the achievements of Indian athletes and set the stage for future excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who organised the Indian Athletics Awards?
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) organised the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony.

Q2. Who won the Best Male Athlete of the Year award?
Neeraj Chopra won the Best Male Athlete of the Year award for 2025.

Q3. Who won the Best Female Athlete of the Year award?
Parul Chaudhary won the Best Female Athlete of the Year award.

Q4. Who received the Lifetime Achievement Awards?
PT Usha, Anju Bobby George, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan received Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Q5. What was Neeraj Chopra's major achievement in 2025?
Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to cross the 90-metre mark in javelin with a throw of 90.23 metres at the Doha Diamond League.

Exam-Focused Points

• Event : Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards

• Organiser : Athletics Federation of India (AFI)

• Date : June 20, 2026

• Venue : New Delhi

• Best Male Athlete : Neeraj Chopra (Javelin)

• Best Female Athlete : Parul Chaudhary (Steeplechase)

• Best Emerging Male : Shahnavaz Khan (Long Jump)

• Best Emerging Female : Pooja (High Jump)

• Best Coach : Parvir Singh (Throws)

• Best Technical Official : Dr Kuldeep Singh

• Best State Association : Tamil Nadu

• Best State Supporting Athletics : Government of Odisha

• Best Sponsor : Reliance Foundation

• Lifetime Achievement Awardees : PT Usha, Anju Bobby George, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan

• Cash Prize (Top Athletes) : Rs 10 lakh each

• Cash Prize (Emerging Athletes) : Rs 2.5 lakh each

• Cash Prize (Lifetime Achievement) : Rs 5 lakh each

• Key Achievement (Chopra) : First Indian to cross 90m in javelin (90.23m at Doha)