New Delhi: Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and steeplechase star Parul Chaudhary were named the Best Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The awards celebrated India’s top performers following a memorable 2025 season and recognised athletes, coaches and officials who have contributed to the growth of athletics in the country.
Chopra says award is special
Fresh from his return to competition at the Doha Diamond League, Chopra received the Best Male Athlete award and described the recognition as one of the most special honours of his career.
“This award is very close to my heart. The old and new generation of athletes are here. I am very happy to have received the award in front of them,” Chopra said after receiving the honour.
The award was presented by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Strong comeback after injury layoff
The 28-year-old recently returned to action after a lengthy injury break.
Competing in his first event of the 2026 season at the Doha Diamond League, Chopra registered a best throw of 85.69 metres in his third attempt and finished fourth.
The event marked his return after recovering from a back injury suffered ahead of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.
Following rehabilitation in Turkiye and training in Switzerland, Chopra made a successful comeback and comfortably surpassed the AFI qualification standard of 82.61 metres for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Memorable 2025 season
The award capped an outstanding 2025 season for Chopra.
The star javelin thrower finally breached the coveted 90-metre mark with a throw of 90.23 metres at the Doha Diamond League.
He also topped the Paris Diamond League standings and won the NC Classic in Bengaluru, further strengthening his status as India’s biggest athletics icon.
With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Asian Games scheduled later this year, Chopra remains one of India’s strongest medal contenders.
Parul Chaudhary recognised for consistency
Parul Chaudhary was named the Best Female Athlete of the Year following another impressive season that reinforced her position as one of India’s leading distance runners.
The national record holder in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase has emerged as one of the country’s most consistent performers on the international circuit and was recognised for her achievements over the past year.
P.T. Usha receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Indian Olympic Association president and legendary sprinter P. T. Usha was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony.
Launched by the AFI, the Indian Athletics Awards aim to recognise athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations and other stakeholders who have played a role in promoting athletics in India.
The inaugural edition featured 10 categories, including Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards ceremony marked a significant step towards acknowledging excellence in Indian athletics and celebrating the achievements of the country’s sporting community.