Why Are India's National Sports Awards Still Pending? Athletes Voice Their Concerns

The delay in announcing India's National Sports Awards has sparked frustration among athletes, who feel demotivated and disrespected. With recommendations pending for over six months, the Sports Ministry cites procedural re-evaluations as the reason for the hold-up. Athletes, including Olympic medalists and Commonwealth champions, are calling for transparency and a fixed schedule for the awards ceremony, which has lost its traditional date. As the nomination process for the next edition approaches, concerns grow over the integrity and recognition of deserving athletes. This situation highlights the emotional significance of these awards in the sporting community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 17:04 IST

Delay in National Sports Awards Raises Concerns

New Delhi: A wave of discontent is sweeping through India's sports community, primarily due to an unusual delay in the announcement of the National Sports Awards.

Typically, this annual event celebrates the nation's sporting achievements, but the recommendations from the selection committee have been pending for six months.

The Sports Ministry, which is responsible for finalizing the awardees, has explained that the delay is due to a 're-evaluation of the nominees for the Arjuna awards.'

Sources within the Ministry indicate that this prolonged wait is procedural and aims to 'maintain the integrity of the awards.'

However, this reasoning offers little comfort to the athletes awaiting recognition.

"It's disappointing that no announcement has been made yet. This uncertainty is demotivating for athletes, especially since many unofficially learn about their nominations," expressed a former Khel Ratna awardee who has won an Olympic medal.

The ceremony, traditionally held at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan, has not had a fixed date for some time.

Historically, it took place on August 29 to honor National Sports Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the event was conducted virtually, the date has become flexible.

In recent years, the ceremony has been postponed to accommodate performances from the Olympics and other multi-sport events, with the last event occurring on January 17 of the previous year.

It has now been over a year since the last ceremony, and the recommendations for the 2025-26 awards were submitted in December 2025. According to established guidelines, the Sports Ministry should have announced the winners within a week of finalization, barring minor adjustments.

As weeks have turned into months without any updates, the frustration is compounded by the impending nomination process for the next awards.

"These awards should adhere to a consistent schedule. Any necessary evaluations can occur without delaying the announcement of the nominees. I believe that those selected truly deserve these honors," stated the former Khel Ratna winner.

This sentiment was echoed by another former Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth Games gold medalist.

Speaking anonymously, he remarked that the date should have remained unchanged, and if the intention was to honor Major Dhyan Chand exclusively on August 29, a new fixed date for the awards should be established.

"Initially, the date was altered for various reasons, and now the entire process is stalled, which is unfair to the athletes. The ministry should provide some clarity, as these awards are akin to an annual celebration for sportspeople. The fittings for blazers, the dress rehearsals, and the moment with the President are significant highlights for athletes," he added.

"There are deep emotions tied to these awards, and it is unjust that there is no transparency regarding the scrutiny process. If the ceremony cannot be held on August 29, that’s acceptable, but a consistent date should be established to create a tradition," he continued.

The unease regarding the delay is not limited to former awardees.

Tejaswin Shankar, a decathlete who won gold at the Asian Championships and is nominated for the Arjuna award, expressed his frustration openly.

"This delay is not only demotivating for athletes and coaches but also shows a lack of respect," he posted on X.

Among this year's Arjuna award nominees are World Cup-winning chess player Divya Deshmukh and gymnast Pranati Nayak.

The Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor, includes a medallion, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. Reports suggest that Hardik Singh, a star of the men's hockey team, is the sole recommendation for the 2025-26 honors.

The Arjuna award nominations exceed 20 and span various sports, including chess and the indigenous Yogasana, which would receive recognition for the first time if the list remains unchanged. The Arjuna award provides a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh to the winner.

While the Ministry has refrained from issuing a formal statement regarding the delays, top officials have privately expressed concerns about whether some nominees possess the necessary achievements for the award.

"We shouldn't have Arjuna awardees in every corner, but when asked about their accomplishments, there is often little to show. Additionally, we must consider the legal disputes and sensational media statements that arise when some individuals do not receive awards," an official remarked.