India's National Sports Awards 2025-26 Delayed Over Six Months, Athletes Express Frustration
India's National Sports Awards for 2025-26 remain unannounced more than six months after the selection committee submitted its recommendations in December 2025. The sports ministry cited a "re-evaluation of names picked for the Arjuna awards" as the reason, though it has provided no formal public explanation. The delay is affecting athlete morale and raising concerns about the awards process, with some questioning whether the ministry should establish a fixed ceremony date.
The Indian sports ministry has not announced the 2025-26 National Sports Awards despite receiving recommendations from the selection committee in December 2025, a delay of over six months. According to ministry sources, the postponement stems from a procedural re-evaluation of Arjuna Award nominees aimed at preserving the awards' integrity. However, multiple athletes and former awardees—including Olympic medalists and Commonwealth Games gold medalists—have publicly criticized the delay as demoralizing and disrespectful. Among those recommended are chess player Divya Deshmukh, gymnast Pranati Nayak, and decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, who posted on social media in April expressing frustration. The delay has also raised procedural concerns, as existing norms require announcement within a week of committee recommendations, and the nomination process for the next edition is approaching. Some former awardees have called for the ministry to establish a fixed ceremony date and provide transparent communication, noting that the awards represent a significant honor and motivational milestone for athletes.
What's missing
The specific reasons cited by the ministry for the re-evaluation of Arjuna Award names are not detailed in the article. Additionally, the article does not explain what procedural concerns or integrity issues prompted the re-evaluation, nor does it provide the ministry's formal response to the athletes' public criticism.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
Athletes left waiting for National Sports Awards, ministry offers no explanation
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