Delay in National Sports Awards Draws Criticism
Prominent decathlete Tejaswin Shankar has spoken out against the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports due to the long delay in announcing the National Sports Awards. As reported by the Press Trust of India, the government is currently reviewing nominees to ensure only deserving athletes receive recognition, leaving many top competitors anxious about their futures.
While the official selection committee submitted its list of recommendations nearly four months ago in December, the ministry has stalled the announcement. This has sparked backlash from athletes who believe this re-evaluation undermines the committee’s decisions and puts unnecessary strain on those who have already met the required standards.
“This should have been addressed back when the unofficial names were announced in December, not four months later. This delay is discouraging for athletes and coaches alike and shows a lack of respect,” Tejaswin Shankar expressed on social media.
Officials from the ministry, however, defended the hold-up, stating that the review is essential to uphold the integrity of the awards. “We are currently reassessing the nominations for the Arjuna Award. The aim is to maintain the value of these awards, ensuring that being an Arjuna awardee is meaningful and not just a common title,” a ministry source shared.
Hockey player Hardik Singh is reported to be the only nominee for the Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sports honor. The shortlist for the Arjuna Award includes 24 athletes, among them promising chess player Divya Deshmukh, Tejaswin, and Aarti Pal, who is notably the first Yogasana athlete nominated since the sport was officially recognized.
The ministry is also working to shift from subjective selection panels to a more systematic, points-based approach. “Just like the prize money—if an athlete wins an Olympic medal, they should automatically receive their Rs 75 lakh reward without having to fill out forms. An athlete who’s met the necessary qualifications shouldn’t undergo another evaluation,” a ministry official explained.
Officials noted that past legal disputes and public controversies have complicated the awards process. By tightening the criteria now, the ministry aims to curb future conflicts and claims from athletes who might feel overlooked.
Traditionally, these awards are given out by the President of India on August 29, coinciding with National Sports Day, which honors hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. However, recent years have seen deviations from this timeline due to significant international events and changes in administration.
As it stands, there is no confirmed date for the awards ceremony, leaving the country’s top athletes uncertain about their recognition.
