India names 17 athletes for Arjuna Awards; top honour left vacant

The National Sports Awards for 2025 have been announced with a significant lineup of athletes recognized for their outstanding performance and contribution to Indian sports. Among the 17 athletes named for the prestigious Arjuna Award are several prominent names from wrestling and other disciplines, with Divya Deshmukh and Gayatri Gopichand among those honoured. Weightlifter Narender and other athletes across various sports have also been selected for India's second-highest sporting honour.

The Arjuna Award, established in 1961, recognizes exceptional performance and outstanding contribution to the development of sports in the country. The award is accompanied by a cash prize and has long been considered one of India's most coveted sporting honours, celebrating athletes who have demonstrated remarkable consistency and competitiveness at the international level.

Notably, the Sports Ministry did not name any athlete for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award this year, India's highest sporting honour which was renamed in 2021 to commemorate the hockey legend. This decision marks an exception, as the award has typically been conferred to recognize extraordinary and exceptional achievement in sports.

The announcement reflects the government's commitment to honouring athletes who have showcased excellence across disciplines ranging from combat sports to weightlifting and beyond, reinforcing recognition for their contributions to India's sporting prowess on the global stage.