More than six months after the selection committee submitted its recommendations, the National Sports Awards for 2025-26 are yet to be announced, leading to growing frustration among athletes and former award winners.The sports ministry attributed the delay to “re-examination of the names selected for Arjun Awards”. According to ministry sources quoted by news agency PTI, the process is procedural and aimed at maintaining the integrity of the awards.However, many athletes and former awardees believe the long wait is affecting morale.“It is unfortunate that there is no announcement yet. It is encouraging for the athletes, especially because unofficially most people know whether they have been shortlisted or not,” the Olympic medalist and former Khel Rattan awardee told PTI.Traditionally, the National Sports Awards ceremony was held on August 29, National Sports Day, which happens to be the birthday of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when the awards were virtually presented, the date is no longer fixed.In recent years, the event has often been pushed back to accommodate performances at the Olympics and other multi-sport events. The latest edition was held on January 17 last year.Recommendations for the 2025-26 awards were finalized in December 2025. Under the current rules, the sports ministry is expected to formally announce the names within a week, subject to only minor changes if required.More than six months later, no announcement has been made yet. The delay has also raised concerns as the nomination process for the next edition approaches.“These awards should always be done according to a fixed schedule. Whatever review is required, it can be done but not by withholding such names. I am sure most of those who have been selected are deserving of the honour,” the former Khel Ratna awardee said, as quoted by PTI.A former Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth Games gold medalist also questioned the delay. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said if August 29 is no longer suitable, the authorities should choose another fixed date for the ceremony.“Earlier the date kept moving due to various reasons and now the whole process has stopped, which is no fault of the players. The ministry needs to at least explain something because these awards are like an annual festival for the players. Getting the fittings of those blazers, the whole protocol dress rehearsal, and finally the President highlights it with an important protocol.” A former Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth Games gold medalist was quoted as saying by PTI.Concerns are not limited to former awardees. After the ministry announced the re-examination process, Asian Championship gold medalist decathlete Tejsoon Shankar, who has been recommended for the Arjuna Award, publicly criticized the delay.“This delay is not only discouraging to the players and coaches, but also a sign of disrespect,” he posted on X in April.World Cup-winning chess player Divya Deshmukh and gymnast Pranathi Naik are among those recommended for the Arjuna Award this year.According to a PTI report, men’s hockey player Hardik Singh is the sole nominee for India’s highest sports honor, the Khel Ratna, which carries a medal, a commendation and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.More than 20 athletes have been recommended for the Arjuna Award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh. The list includes players from fields like chess and yogasana, who may get representation for the first time if there is no change in the recommendations.The sports ministry has not released an official explanation for the delay. However, officials have privately said there are concerns over whether some of the recommended candidates meet the achievement criteria required for the Arjuna award.
