Arjuna Awards 2025: Divya Deshmukh Among 17 Athletes Selected

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially unveiled the list of recipients for the 2025 National Sports Awards, with 17 athletes selected to receive the prestigious Arjuna Awards. While the government celebrated a diverse group of high-achievers from various disciplines, the selection committee opted not to confer the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award this year, leaving the nation’s highest sporting honor vacant for the 2025 cycle.

The 2025 Arjuna Awards lineup

Among the 17 distinguished athletes earning the Arjuna Award this year are chess stars Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi, badminton talents Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, and track-and-field standout Tejaswin Shankar. The list also features Narender, who joins a competitive group of honorees recognized for their significant contributions and performance excellence on the international stage throughout the past year.

The decision to bypass the Khel Ratna has sparked conversations regarding the evolving criteria for top-tier national recognition. Although the Arjuna Award continues to serve as a vital benchmark for sustained sporting success, the absence of a Khel Ratna recipient highlights a stringent evaluation process by the awards committee during this specific selection period, focusing heavily on podium finishes and global rankings.

These awards acknowledge the relentless dedication required to compete at the elite level. By honoring these 17 individuals, the sports ministry aims to maintain momentum for India’s growing presence in global arenas. The formal ceremony, where these athletes will receive their accolades, remains a highly anticipated event on the national calendar as the country shifts its strategic focus toward future multi-sport games.