Recognising sporting excellence, extraordinary dedication and the contribution of those who have strengthened India's sporting ecosystem, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Sports Awards 2025 at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The occasion celebrated the achievements of accomplished athletes, distinguished coaches and institutions working to advance India's sporting ambitions. The President also presented the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024, acknowledging individuals whose courage, determination and exceptional accomplishments have taken adventure sports to new heights.
The National Sports Awards are presented annually to recognise outstanding achievements in sports and games, while encouraging a culture of excellence, discipline and perseverance. This year's honours brought together distinguished names from different sporting disciplines, reflecting the diversity and growing strength of India's sporting landscape.
A total of 17 sportspersons were selected for the Arjuna Awards 2025 in recognition of their exceptional performances. Among the recipients were high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, race walker Priyanka Goswami, chess player Divya Jitendra Deshmukh, hockey player Rajkumar Pal and kabaddi player Puja. Their achievements represent the determination and competitive spirit that continue to strengthen India's presence across international sporting platforms.
The Arjuna Awards acknowledge athletes whose consistent performances, commitment and sporting accomplishments have brought distinction to the country. The recognition of personalities from athletics, chess, hockey and kabaddi also highlights the expanding range of disciplines in which Indian sportspersons are making their mark.
Veteran Indian footballer Isaiah Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award in the Lifetime category, recognising his enduring contribution to Indian football. Such lifetime honours underline the importance of acknowledging not only current achievements but also the sustained dedication of individuals who have devoted significant portions of their lives to the development of their respective sports.
The ceremony also recognised the indispensable role of coaches in shaping sporting talent and building competitive teams. Five coaches received the Dronacharya Award for their outstanding contributions to sports coaching. Parveer Singh, Chhote Lal Yadav and Neha Nandkumar Chavan were honoured in the regular category, while Dharmendra Singh Yadav and Virender Kumar received the award in the Lifetime category.
The Dronacharya Awards acknowledge the expertise, commitment and mentorship of coaches who work behind the scenes to transform promising athletes into accomplished competitors. Their contribution extends beyond technical training, encompassing discipline, mental strength, strategic preparation and the development of a winning sporting temperament.
Institutional contribution to sports promotion also received recognition through the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was honoured for its significant role in promoting and developing sports. Its recognition highlights the importance of institutional support and inclusive sporting infrastructure in expanding opportunities for athletes, particularly those competing in para-sports.
The President also conferred the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024 on four individuals, including Baljeet Kaur and Rimo Saha. These awards recognise exceptional accomplishments in adventure activities and celebrate individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, endurance, leadership and determination in challenging environments.
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