Frustrated with the delay in the announcement of the National Sports awards, Asian Games silver medallist decathlon athlete Tejaswin Shankar has voiced strong criticism of the Sports Ministry, describing the situation as both “demotivating” and a “sign of disrespect” towards athletes and coaches.
The ministry had originally invited applications for the National Sports Awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Arjuna Award (Lifetime), Dronacharya Award, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, for the year 2025 on September 29 last year, with the deadline later extended to November 4.
Following a meeting of the selection committee on December 24, at least 24 names were reportedly shortlisted and forwarded to the ministry, including Tejaswin’s nomination for the Arjuna Award. However, the process has since stalled, with no official announcement yet made.
According to ministry sources, “Preparations for the National Sports Awards program are underway. The list of athletes is currently being re-evaluated, which is causing some delay. The awards ceremony will be organised as soon as possible.”
The delay has drawn criticism from athletes, many of whom feel that the ongoing ‘re-evaluation’ is creating unnecessary uncertainty despite meeting the required criteria.
Expressing his frustration, Tejaswin posted on social media: “This should have been thought of ‘before’ the unofficial recommended names came out in December. Not 4 months ‘after’. This delay is not just demotivating to athletes and coaches but also a sign of disrespect.”
As per the latest scheme dated October 14, 2024, the awards are typically conferred by the President on August 29, marking the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
However, in years featuring major multi-sport events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games, the schedule for the awards ceremony is finalised based on the closing dates of these competitions, in consultation with the President’s Secretariat.