Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and long-distance runner Parul Chaudhary were named Best Male and Female Athletes at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards in New Delhi on June 20. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented the honours organised by the AFI. Emerging athletes Shahnawaz Khan and Pooja were also recognised, while legends including P T Usha received lifetime awards.

New Delhi, June 20: Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary were presented the Best Athlete Awards, male and female respectively, at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards here on Saturday evening. Shahnavaz Khan and Pooja were named the Best Emerging Athletes at a glittering ceremony here.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya gave away the awards instituted by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). A galaxy of dignitaries, including World Athletics Vice President Adille J. Sumariwalla, Korottage Bimal Prasanna, President, Sri Lanka Athletics Mohamed Tholal, Sports Commissioner of Maldives were at hand to celebrate excellence across the Indian athletics ecosystem.

“Indian athletics has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last decade, with our athletes delivering world-class performances on the biggest stages. The Indian Athletics Awards are a fitting tribute to the individuals and institutions driving this progress. These awards will further strengthen India's sporting ecosystem,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said.

The Indian Athletics Awards night also saw some of the most influential figures in Indian athletics being decorated with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Legendary athletes Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan, P T Usha and Anju Bobby George were honoured for their extraordinary contributions to Indian athletics over several decades.