The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will host the first-ever Indian Athletic Awards on 20 June in New Delhi, marking a landmark moment for Indian athletics as the sport's governing body formally recognises excellence across all levels of the discipline — from medal-winning athletes to behind-the-scenes contributors.

What the Awards Cover

The ceremony will honour excellence across 10 award categories, spanning Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025, Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025, Best Coach of the Year 2025, Best Technical Official of the Year 2025, Best State Association of the Year 2025, Best State Supporting Athletics, Organisation Supporting Athletics, Partner Supporting Athletics, and three Lifetime Achievement Athletics Awards. The breadth of categories signals AFI's intent to celebrate the full ecosystem — not just podium finishers.

Why AFI Is Launching This Now

Indian athletics has experienced a sustained surge in global visibility over the past several years, driven by performances at the Olympics, World Athletics Championships, and Asian Games. The awards have been conceptualised as a permanent platform to honour current and former athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations, sponsors, and all other stakeholders whose contributions have underpinned that growth, according to AFI.

Notably, most of India's leading current and former athletes are expected to attend, making the event a significant gathering for the country's athletics fraternity.

What the Leadership Said

AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo 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 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.'

Neeraj Chopra's Backing

Olympic and World Championships medallist Neeraj Chopra lent his voice to 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.'

What to Watch

The inaugural edition sets a precedent for an annual recognition cycle that could grow in stature as Indian athletics continues its upward trajectory ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. How AFI structures the selection process and jury composition in subsequent years will determine whether the awards earn credibility as a genuine benchmark or remain a ceremonial exercise.