New Delhi: Indian decathlete Tejaswin Shankar has strongly criticised the delay in announcing the National Sports Awards, calling the situation “disrespectful” and demotivating for athletes across the country.
The annual awards, among India’s most prestigious sporting honours, have been delayed this year amid reports that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is re-evaluating the nomination process to ensure only the most deserving candidates are recognised.
Delay sparks athlete backlash
The selection committee had reportedly submitted its final list of recommendations in December, but the ministry has paused the process for further scrutiny—nearly four months later.
Expressing his frustration, Shankar said the move undermines both athletes and the selection panel.
“This should have been thought of before the recommended names came out in December. Not four months after. This delay is not just demotivating but also a sign of disrespect,” he wrote on social media.
The uncertainty has left dozens of athletes, including Shankar—who is among 24 recommended for the Arjuna Award—in limbo.
Government defends re-evaluation
Sources within the ministry have defended the decision, stating that the re-assessment aims to preserve the credibility and prestige of the awards.
Officials indicated that stricter scrutiny is necessary to avoid recognising athletes without substantial achievements, a concern that has triggered criticism in previous years.
The ministry is also reportedly exploring a shift towards a more objective, points-based system, reducing reliance on subjective panel decisions.
Key nominations and highlights
Among the notable names, hockey midfielder Hardik Singh is said to be the sole nominee for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The Arjuna Award shortlist features a diverse group of athletes, including chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh and Aarti Pal, who has made history as the first Yogasana athlete to be nominated following the sport’s formal recognition.
Tradition disrupted
Traditionally, the National Sports Awards are presented on National Sports Day—August 29—in honour of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, with the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
However, in recent years, scheduling disruptions due to international events and administrative changes have affected the timeline.
This year’s delay, though, is among the most significant, with no official date yet confirmed for the ceremony.
Concerns over transparency and morale
While the government maintains that tightening criteria will prevent future disputes and legal challenges, athletes argue that the retrospective review process risks eroding trust.
Many believe that once a selection committee has finalised its recommendations, altering or re-evaluating them months later sets a concerning precedent.
Conclusion
The standoff highlights a growing tension between maintaining the integrity of national honours and ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection process.
For athletes like Tejaswin Shankar, the delay is more than administrative—it directly impacts morale and recognition after years of dedication and achievement.
As uncertainty continues, the sporting community now awaits clarity from the government on both the final list of awardees and the timeline for one of India’s most celebrated sporting traditions.