AFI announces first-ever Indian Athletic Awards to honour sporting excellence

NEW DELHI: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is set to launch the first-ever Indian Athletic Awards on June 20 in New Delhi, marking a major step towards recognising the people who have helped Indian athletics grow over the years.

The event is expected to bring together many of the country's top current and former athletes, coaches and officials for a celebration of the sport's achievements.

The awards are not just about athletes winning medals. AFI plans to recognise coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations, sponsors and organisations that have contributed behind the scenes to India's rise in global athletics. A total of 10 categories will be honoured, including Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association and three Lifetime Achievement Awards.The awards to be presented during the evening include:

AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo highlighted the importance of acknowledging everyone involved in the sport's success. He said: “Indian athletics has witnessed a lot of growth over the last few years, with our athletes delivering strong performances on the global stage. The Indian Athletic Awards are a celebration of not only medal winners, but also the coaches, officials, mentors, associations and institutions that work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen the sport in the country.

We look forward to honouring individuals who continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.

”AFI Senior Vice President Anju Bobby George believes the awards will strengthen India's sporting culture by recognising contributions at every level. She said: “This awards ceremony serves to honour the commitment and resilience demonstrated at all levels of Indian athletics. From promising newcomers to established champions and their vital support networks, every effort plays a crucial role in fostering a robust sporting culture.

Indian athletics is poised for an exhilarating chapter, and these awards will pay tribute to the individuals who are instrumental in shaping this journey.

”Olympic and World Championships medallist Neeraj Chopra also backed the initiative, saying: “To boost the morale and confidence of young Indian athletes, initiatives like the Indian Athletic Awards are extremely important. Recognising and celebrating the hard work of athletes, coaches and support staff motivates the entire sporting ecosystem and inspires the next generation to dream bigger and perform better for the country.”