Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary received the Best Athlete Awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. Pooja and Shahnavaz Khan received the Best Emerging Athlete honors during an impressive ceremony.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, presented the prizes established by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
Among the many notable people who came to commemorate distinction throughout the Indian athletics ecology were Mohamed Tholal, Sports Commissioner of the Maldives; Korottage Bimal Prasanna, President of Sri Lanka Athletics; and Adille J. Sumariwalla, World Athletics Vice President.
“Indian athletics has seen incredible growth over the past ten years, with our competitors producing world-class performances at the most prominent events. The Indian Athletics Awards are a deserving homage to the individuals and organizations responsible for this development. These honors will strengthen India’s sports environment even more,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated.
Awards for Lifetime Achievement were presented to some of the most influential figures in Indian athletics during the Indian Athletics Awards night. P. T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan were among the illustrious athletes who received tributes for their exceptional contributions to Indian athletics throughout the years.
According to Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President of the AFI, the Indian Athletics Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people who help Indian athletics succeed. Every stakeholder has an important part to play on our path, from athletes and trainers to technical personnel. “These medals will be a distinguished distinction in Indian athletics,” he stated.
This is a really special honor to be recognized among such outstanding athletes from our nation, Neeraj Chopra stated. “Indian athletics is growing quickly, and we are witnessing fresh talent emerge and compete on the international stage every year. This prize encourages me to aim for greatness and give back to the sport,” he stated.
Parul Chaudhary stated that she greatly appreciates the acknowledgment. “Athletics requires daily patience, discipline, and perseverance. I want to thank my family, support staff, and coaches for their ongoing encouragement. I hope my path encourages more young girls to pursue their aspirations and enter the world of athletics, she remarked.
Shahnawaz Khan expressed his pride. “This is a proud occasion and serves as a major inspiration. It pushes me to work harder and keep getting better as an athlete. “I want to thank my family, my coaches, and everyone else who has helped me throughout this trip,” he stated.
Pooja said this acknowledgement gives her hope and pushes her to set higher goals. “It’s really encouraging to be recognized on a national level like this. In the years to come, I will keep striving to make the nation proud. ”
PT Usha, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, expressed her profound humility and stated that athletics has given her everything in life. She said, “I have seen the great development of Indian Athletics over the years, and I am happy to witness young athletes succeeding at the highest levels.”
Anju Bobby George, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, said that Indian Athletics had advanced significantly. “It is encouraging to witness the sport receiving the respect it merits. ” On behalf of everyone who has helped me along the way, I would like to receive this honor. I hope the next generation will keep dreaming big. “I think our players are good enough to play against the top in the world,” she commented.
Coaches and administrators, as well as some of India’s biggest athletics icons, such as Sriram Singh, Charles Borromeo, Chand Ram, and Kamaljit Sandhu, gathered at the awards event to honor outstanding performers from the 2025 season as well as those who have flown the flag for Indian athletics in the past.
Each of Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary received Rs. 10 lakh, while each of Shahnawaz Khan and Pooja received Rs. 2. 50 lakh. Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award each received Rs. 5 lakh.
Additionally, AFI gave out prizes in several other categories, such as Best Technical Official of the Year, Best Coach of the Year, Best State Association of the Year, Best State Supporting Athletics, Organization Supporting Athletics, and Partner Supporting Athletics.
The winners of the awards include:
- Best Male Athlete of the Year (2025) – Neeraj Chopra (Rs. 10,00,000)
- Parul Chaudhary (Rs. 10,00,000) will be named Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025.
- Shahnawaz Khan (Rs. 2,50,000) was named the Best Emerging Male Athlete in 2025.
- Pooja (Rs. 2,50,000) – Best Emerging Female Athlete 2025
- P T Usha, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award, will get Rs. 5,00,000.
- Gurbachan Singh Randhawa (Rs. 5,00,000) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award.
- Anju Bobby George receives the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award (Rs. 5,00,000).
- Bahadur Singh Chauhan (Rs. 5,00,000) – Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award