Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Announces National Sports Awards 2025
Issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 18th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2025 on August 18, 2026, to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Based on recommendations from a selection committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, awards were conferred upon sportspersons, coaches, and entities for outstanding performance and contributions to sports promotion. The selection followed a self-application process via a dedicated online portal and a comprehensive review of performance over the preceding four years.
Key Points / Main Content
Award Categories and Criteria
- Arjuna Award: Conferred for outstanding performance over the previous four years, demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
- Arjuna Award (Lifetime): Awarded to retired sportspersons who have contributed to sports through their performance and continue to promote sports post-retirement.
- Dronacharya Award: Recognized coaches for consistent meritorious work and for enabling sportspersons to excel in international events (offered in Regular and Lifetime categories).
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Given to corporate entities (public/private) and NGOs that play a visible role in sports promotion and development.
Award Recipients 2025
- Arjuna Award: 17 sportspersons were honored across various disciplines, including Athletics (3), Badminton (2), Chess (2), Hockey (2), Kabaddi (2), and Para-sports (2).
- Arjuna Award (Lifetime): Awarded to Shri I Arumainayagam for Football.
- Dronacharya Award (Regular): Awarded to coaches in Athletics (Shri Parveer Singh), Boxing (Shri Chhote Lal Yadav), and Shooting (Ms. Neha Nandkumar Chavan).
- Dronacharya Award (Lifetime): Awarded to coaches in Boxing (Shri Dharmendra Singh Yadav) and Wrestling (Shri Virender Kumar).
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Awarded to the Army Paralympic Node, Pune.
Selection and Application Process
- Applications were submitted online through a dedicated portal, allowing sportspersons, coaches, and entities to self-apply.
- A selection committee, including eminent sportspersons, sports journalists, and administrators, evaluated a large number of applications to finalize the winners.
Impact Analysis
Selected Sportspersons and Coaches Impact Recipients receive national recognition and rewards for their excellence, discipline, and contributions to international sporting success. Action Required Continue to uphold the standards of sportsmanship and, for lifetime achievers, continue their work in the promotion of sports.
Corporate Entities and NGOs Impact Entities like the Army Paralympic Node are recognized for their institutional support and visible impact on sports development. Action Required Maintain and expand initiatives that support sports promotion and the development of athletes.
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports / Selection Committee Impact Responsible for maintaining the integrity of national sporting honors through a transparent, merit-based selection process. Action Required Review and consider the large volume of applications submitted through the online portal to ensure all meritorious candidates are recognized.