Athletics

Neeraj and Parul recognized with prestigious accolades at the Indian Athletics Awards.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Jun 21, 2026, 18:50 IST

At the Indian Athletics Awards, Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary excel, each receiving the prestigious Athlete of the Year title.

Neeraj and Parul recognized with prestigious accolades at the Indian Athletics Awards.

Neeraj Chopra, the celebrated javelin thrower, made headlines once again as he was honored with the prestigious Athlete of the Year award at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards held in New Delhi. This event, which took place on Saturday night, marked a significant gathering of prominent figures in Indian athletics, showcasing both current stars and legendary athletes from the past.

Chopra, who recently returned to competition after a nine-month break, shared the spotlight with Parul Chaudhary, the national record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m events, who also received the Athlete of the Year award in the women's category. The ceremony attracted a host of notable guests, including fellow javelin throwers Sachin Yadav and Rohit Yadav, as well as rising stars like T.K. Vishal, Gurindervir Singh, and Hima Das, among others.

Chopra's Journey and Advice to Young Athletes

Reflecting on his journey in athletics, Chopra expressed his admiration for legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny, whose videos inspired him during his formative years. "When I started javelin, I used to watch Jan Zelezny’s videos without even knowing who he was. All I knew was he was the World record holder and I wondered if I could ever throw like him," Chopra remarked. He emphasized his goal of reaching the 90-meter mark and expressed optimism about achieving even greater distances in the future.

In a heartfelt message to aspiring athletes, Chopra encouraged them to remain grounded and patient. "Keep doing your hard work, try and avoid injuries, listen to your team, your body and keep belief in yourself. Don’t be in a hurry to get success; you have your whole career ahead," he advised. He also highlighted the potential of Indian athletes, urging them to focus on their training and capabilities rather than comparing themselves to their Western counterparts.

Recognizing Excellence in Indian Athletics

The awards ceremony also celebrated several other outstanding contributors to Indian athletics. P.T. Usha, a legendary figure in Indian sports, received the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside notable personalities such as Anju Bobby George and G.S. Randhawa. The event recognized various categories, including Emerging Athlete awards for Pooja in women's high jump and Shahnavaz Khan in men's long jump, as well as accolades for Best Coach and Best State for supporting athletes.

Overall, the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards not only honored individual achievements but also highlighted the collective progress and potential of Indian athletics on the global stage.

Latest News

End of Article