Neeraj Chopra, Parul Chaudhary Win Top Honors at Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards

Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and elite distance runner Parul Chaudhary secured the premier male and female athlete accolades at the first-ever Indian Athletics Awards. The landmark event celebrated India’s sporting excellence, distribution of cash rewards, and lifetime achievements of track and field icons.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) hosted its debut awards ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday evening. Javelin icon Neeraj Chopra and long-distance track star Parul Chaudhary captured the premier male and female athlete honors for the 2025 season during the glittering event.

The national federation expanded its recognition to the next generation of track and field talent. Shahnawaz Khan and Pooja secured the titles of Best Emerging Male and Female Athletes, respectively, before a gathering of international sports dignitaries.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya presented the accolades instituted by the governing body. The ceremony drew high-profile administrators, including World Athletics Vice President Adille J Sumariwalla, Sri Lanka Athletics President Korottage Bimal Prasanna, and Maldives Sports Commissioner Mohamed Tholal.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya noted that domestic track and field activities experienced exceptional development over the past 10 years. The sports minister emphasized that local competitors are consistently delivering world-class displays on global stages, verifying that these honors solidify the sporting framework.

The inaugural celebration expanded its scope to honor the foundation of the nation’s sporting history. Legendary figures Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan, P T Usha, and Anju Bobby George received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their multi-decade contributions.

AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo stated that the presentation serves as an essential forum to validate excellence. The administrative leader remarked that every stakeholder, from active competitors and coaches to technical officials, remains vital to the ongoing development of national track sports.

Reflecting on his selection, Neeraj Chopra described the recognition as a unique distinction. The Olympic medalist observed that fresh domestic talent emerges annually to compete globally, adding that the trophy provides additional inspiration to chase elite athletic standards.

Parul Chaudhary stated that the national federation’s recognition holds massive significance for her career. The distance runner remarked that track disciplines demand relentless daily patience, discipline, and endurance, expressing hope that her path inspires young girls to enter the sport.

Emerging category winner Shahnawaz Khan expressed immense pride during the Delhi ceremony. The rising competitor mentioned that the award serves as a powerful motivational tool, pushing him to intensify his training regimens alongside his coaching staff and family support network.

Co-winner Pooja explained that receiving national acknowledgment boosts her competitive confidence. The young athlete stated that being highlighted on a prestigious countrywide stage inspires her to target higher benchmarks and deliver global honors for the nation.

Indian track legend P T Usha expressed deep humility upon receiving her career honor. The former sprint queen reflected on the immense structural evolution she witnessed over multiple eras, stating her delight at seeing modern competitors achieve top-tier global success.

Fellow lifetime achievement recipient Anju Bobby George stated that domestic track disciplines have advanced significantly. The world championship medalist welcomed the heightened public attention the sport now commands, stating her firm belief that current Indian competitors can match global standards.

The operational body gathered multiple generations of sports stars under one roof. Historic champions including Sriram Singh, Charles Borromeo, Chand Ram, and Kamaljit Sandhu attended to honor the top performers of 2025 alongside foundational figures.

The governing federation backed the trophies with substantial financial incentives. Top winners Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary secured checks worth Rs 10 lakh each, while rising stars Shahnawaz Khan and Pooja obtained Rs 2.50 lakh each during the distribution.

The long-serving veteran sports figures received financial purses along with their trophies. The four Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were each presented with Rs 5 lakh by the federation executives for their lifelong dedication to training and competing.

The administrative body concluded the evening by honoring broader ecosystem contributors. Additional organizational categories featured the Best Coach of the Year, Best State Association, Best Technical Official, and specialized acknowledgments for supporting corporate partners and state governments.

Award Winners

• Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025 – Neeraj Chopra (Rs 10,00,000)
• Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025 – Parul Chaudhary (Rs 10,00,000)
• Best Emerging Male Athlete 2025 – Shahnavaz Khan (Rs 2,50,000)
• Best Emerging Female Athlete 2025 – Pooja (Rs 2,50,000)
• Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award – P T Usha (Rs 5,00,000)
• Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award – Gurbachan Singh Randhawa (Rs 5,00,000)
• Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award – Anju Bobby George (Rs 5,00,000)
• Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award – Bahadur Singh Chauhan (Rs 5,00,000)

Future Outlook

The launch of the Indian Athletics Awards establishes a formalized reward structure expected to boost athlete retention and corporate sponsorships ahead of upcoming global championships. By offering substantial cash prizes and national validation, the Athletics Federation of India aims to professionalize the ecosystem further. This annual platform is projected to incentivize grassroots talent and intensify competition across state associations looking to claim future organizational honors.

FAQs

Who won the top male and female honors at the Indian Athletics Awards?

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025, while distance runner Parul Chaudhary secured the Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025 title.

What cash prizes were given to the winners?

The primary male and female athletes received Rs 10 lakh each. Emerging athlete winners were awarded Rs 2.50 lakh each, and Lifetime Achievement recipients took home Rs 5 lakh each.

Which legends received the Lifetime Achievement Awards?

The Athletics Federation of India presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to four legendary sports icons: P T Usha, Anju Bobby George, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan.

Who were named the Best Emerging Athletes?

Shahnawaz Khan was awarded the Best Emerging Male Athlete for 2025, while Pooja took home the Best Emerging Female Athlete title.