Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and steeplechase star Parul Chaudhary were named the Best Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony on Saturday, with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) celebrating the country’s top performers from a memorable 2025 season.
Fresh from his return to competition at the Doha Diamond League, Chopra received the men’s award and described the recognition as one of the most special honours of his career.
“This award is very close to my heart. The old and new generation of athletes are here. I am very happy to have received the award in front of them,” Chopra said.
CHOPRA’S BIG RETURN
The 28-year-old flew in from Doha earlier on Saturday after competing in his first event of the 2026 season. Chopra recorded a best throw of 85.69m in his third attempt to finish fourth at the Doha Diamond League.
The event marked his return after a lengthy injury layoff. Chopra had been recovering from a back injury suffered ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo and had been training in Switzerland following a rehabilitation stint in Turkiye.
Despite missing the podium in Doha, Chopra comfortably surpassed the AFI qualification standard of 82.61m for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
STELLAR 2025 CAMPAIGN
The award capped a brilliant 2025 season for the javelin star, who finally breached the 90m mark with a throw of 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League.
Chopra also topped the Paris Diamond League standings and won the NC Classic in Bengaluru, further cementing his status as India’s biggest athletics star.
With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan later this year, Chopra remains one of India’s strongest medal hopes.
PARUL GETS REWARD
Parul Chaudhary was named the Best Female Athlete of the Year after another impressive season that reinforced her position as India’s leading distance runner.
The national record holder in the women’s 3000m steeplechase has emerged as one of the country’s most consistent performers on the international stage and was recognised for her achievements over the past year.
USHA HONOURED
Indian Olympic Association president and legendary sprinter P T Usha was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony.
Launched by the AFI, the Indian Athletics Awards aim to recognise athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations and other stakeholders who have contributed to the growth of athletics in the country.
The inaugural edition featured 10 categories, including Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association and Lifetime Achievement Award.
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