New Delhi: Indian athletics celebrated its finest achievers and contributors at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards, a landmark event organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in the national capital on June 20. The awards ceremony recognized outstanding performances from athletes, coaches, technical officials, administrators, and long-serving contributors who have played a crucial role in shaping Indian athletics.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Olympic and World Championship medallist Neeraj Chopra, who was named Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025 following another remarkable season that reinforced his status as India's most celebrated track and field athlete.

Neeraj Chopra Rewarded for Outstanding 2025 Season

Chopra's award capped a stellar 2025 campaign in which he continued to rewrite Indian athletics history. The javelin superstar achieved one of the most significant milestones of his career by breaching the coveted 90-metre mark, registering a personal best throw of 90.23 metres during the season. The achievement further strengthened his position among the world's elite javelin throwers.

The reigning Olympic and World Championships medallist also produced a string of strong performances on the international circuit, maintaining his consistency at the highest level of competition. His achievements throughout the year made him the unanimous choice for the federation's top individual honour.

The award ceremony celebrated not only Chopra's accomplishments but also the broader rise of Indian athletics on the global stage, a movement in which he has been one of the most influential figures.

Parul Chaudhary Wins Best Female Athlete Award

India's leading middle and long-distance runner Parul Chaudhary was honoured as the Best Female Athlete of 2025. Chaudhary has emerged as one of India's most successful track athletes in recent years and continued her impressive form during the award period, earning recognition from the national federation for her achievements and consistency.

Her award reflected the growing strength of Indian women's athletics, particularly in distance running disciplines where Indian athletes have made significant international progress.

Lifetime Achievement Awards for Indian Athletics Legends

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when AFI presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to four iconic personalities whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian athletics.

Among the recipients was legendary sprinter and current Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha, often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Track and Field." Usha's illustrious career inspired generations of athletes and helped place Indian athletics on the global map.

Former long jumper and world championship medallist Anju Bobby George was also honoured for her pioneering achievements. George remains one of India's most accomplished field athletes and became the first Indian athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships, creating a historic moment for the nation.

The other Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were former national coach Radhakrishnan Nair and veteran athletics administrator Suresh Kalmadi, both recognized for their long-standing service and contributions to the development and promotion of athletics in India.

The honours reflected AFI's intent to celebrate not only current champions but also the individuals whose efforts laid the foundation for Indian athletics' present success.

AFI's New Initiative to Celebrate Excellence

The Indian Athletics Awards were launched by the Athletics Federation of India as a dedicated platform to acknowledge excellence across the sport. The federation announced that the annual event would honour achievements in multiple categories, ranging from athletes and coaches to technical officials and state associations.

According to AFI, the awards aim to recognize those who have contributed significantly to the growth of athletics in the country and encourage higher standards of performance across all levels of the sport.

The inaugural edition featured honours across ten categories, including Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association, Best State Supporting Athletics, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

A Milestone Moment for Indian Athletics

The launch of the Indian Athletics Awards comes at a time when the sport is enjoying unprecedented success and visibility in the country. Indian athletes have produced notable performances at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League events over the past decade.

The rise of athletes such as Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary, coupled with the legacy of trailblazers like PT Usha and Anju Bobby George, reflects the evolution of Indian athletics from a developing sporting discipline into a globally competitive force.

AFI officials described the awards as a significant step toward building a culture of recognition and appreciation within athletics. By honouring both present-day achievers and historic contributors, the federation hopes to inspire future generations of athletes and strengthen the ecosystem supporting the sport.

Complete List of Major Honours

• Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025: Neeraj Chopra

• Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025: Parul Chaudhary

• Lifetime Achievement Awards: PT Usha, Anju Bobby George, Radhakrishnan Nair, and Suresh Kalmadi

The inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ultimately served as a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and legacy. While Neeraj Chopra's recognition highlighted the achievements of contemporary Indian athletics, the Lifetime Achievement honours paid tribute to the legends whose dedication helped create the foundation for today's success. As Indian athletics continues its upward trajectory, the awards are expected to become a prestigious annual tradition in the country's sporting calendar.

With inputs from agencies

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