Athletics Federation of India to Launch Inaugural Indian Athletic Awards on June 20
In a landmark step towards recognising and celebrating excellence in Indian athletics, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will host the inaugural Indian Athletic Awards in New Delhi on June 20, 2026.
The awards ceremony marks the first initiative of its kind by the federation and is designed to honour not only the country’s top athletes but also the coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations and organisations that have contributed to the growth of athletics in India.
With many of India’s leading current and former athletes expected to attend, the event promises to be a major celebration of the sport and its remarkable rise on both the continental and global stages.
While medals and records often dominate headlines, the Indian Athletic Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the wider ecosystem that supports sporting excellence. The initiative has been conceptualised as a platform to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in building Indian athletics from elite performers and coaches to state associations, technical officials, sponsors and institutions that have played an instrumental role in nurturing talent.
Over the past decade, Indian athletics has witnessed unprecedented growth, with athletes consistently winning medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The AFI believes recognising these contributions publicly will strengthen the culture of excellence within the sport.
The ceremony is also expected to inspire young athletes by demonstrating that dedication and achievement at every level are valued and celebrated.
Awards Across 10 Categories
The inaugural edition of the Indian Athletic Awards will feature honours across ten categories, reflecting the diverse stakeholders who contribute to Indian athletics.
Among the major awards to be presented are:
Best Male Athlete of the Year (2025)
Best Female Athlete of the Year (2025)
Best Coach of the Year (2025)
Lifetime Achievement Athletics Awards
Best State Association of the Year
Best Technical Official of the Year
Best State Supporting Athletics
Organisation Supporting Athletics
Partner Supporting Athletics
The inclusion of multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards further underlines the federation’s intention to recognise individuals who have dedicated decades to the development of the sport.
AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo described the awards as an opportunity to celebrate not only athletes but the entire support system that has helped Indian athletics achieve international success. He noted that while medal winners often receive public recognition, countless coaches, officials, mentors and administrators work tirelessly behind the scenes to create the conditions for success.
By honouring these contributions, the federation hopes to acknowledge their impact while motivating future generations to continue raising standards across Indian athletics. AFI Senior Vice President Anju Bobby George, herself one of India’s greatest athletes, echoed those sentiments.
She highlighted that commitment and resilience at every level from emerging talents to experienced professionals play a vital role in strengthening the country's sporting culture and sustaining long-term success.
Olympic and World Championships medallist Neeraj Chopra also welcomed the launch of the awards, emphasising the importance of recognition in building athlete confidence and motivation. According to Chopra, initiatives that celebrate the hard work of athletes, coaches and support staff help inspire younger competitors to pursue bigger goals while reinforcing the values of dedication and excellence.
His endorsement carries particular significance given his role in transforming the profile of athletics in India over recent years. Chopra’s historic achievements have brought unprecedented attention to the sport, and initiatives such as the Indian Athletic Awards could help extend that momentum across multiple disciplines.
The timing of the awards reflects the remarkable progress Indian athletics has made in recent years. Indian athletes have consistently delivered standout performances at major international competitions, with success spanning throws, jumps, middle-distance events and relays. Improved coaching structures, enhanced sports science support and greater investment in grassroots development have all contributed to this upward trajectory.
The federation hopes the awards will become an annual tradition, celebrating excellence while encouraging healthy competition and continued improvement across the athletics ecosystem. Recognising achievements beyond medals also acknowledges that sustained success depends on collaboration between athletes, coaches, administrators and support organisations.
The June 20 ceremony is expected to bring together many of the biggest names in Indian athletics under one roof, creating a rare opportunity to celebrate the sport’s achievements collectively. For current athletes, the event offers recognition for performances over the past year. For retired stars and long-serving contributors, it provides overdue acknowledgement of careers dedicated to Indian athletics.
More importantly, the Indian Athletic Awards signal a broader cultural shift—one that values not only podium finishes but also the systems and people who make those achievements possible.
As Indian athletics continues its upward trajectory on the global stage, the launch of these awards represents another important step in building a stronger and more inclusive sporting ecosystem. By honouring excellence across multiple dimensions, the AFI hopes to inspire future champions while recognising those who have helped shape the sport’s remarkable journey.
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