National Sports Awards 2025 winners announced

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled the National Sports Awards 2025, honoring individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to Indian sports. A total of 17 athletes were honored with the Arjuna Award, while one received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). Additionally, five coaches were recognized with the Dronacharya Award, and the Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was awarded the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.

The selection committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, comprised distinguished sportspersons, sports journalists, and sports administrators. The awards were determined based on recommendations from this committee.

The Arjuna Award is presented in recognition of outstanding performance in sports over the previous four years, alongside qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline. The 17 sportspersons selected for the Arjuna Award 2025 span various disciplines, including athletics, badminton, boxing, chess, hockey, kabaddi, para-sports, rowing, and shooting.

I Arumainayagam, a football player, was chosen to receive the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) for their enduring contributions to the sport and the promotion of sports post-retirement from active competition.

The Dronacharya Award, which acknowledges coaches who have consistently delivered exceptional and meritorious work, aided athletes in achieving international success, was awarded to three coaches in the regular category. Two coaches were selected in the lifetime category for their significant, continued contributions to coaching excellence.

Lastly, the Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was recognized for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025, honoring corporate entities and NGOs that play a crucial role in promoting and developing sports in India.