New Delhi: India’s sporting community is set to honour another group of accomplished athletes, with 17 sportspersons named for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year. World Cup-winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete and high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, and badminton player Gayatri Gopichand feature prominently on the list announced by the Sports Ministry on Tuesday.
The ministry, however, has not selected any sportsperson for the country’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, this year.
The Arjuna Award list includes several athletes who have made their mark on the international stage. Among them are chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, badminton player Treesa Jolly, boxer Narender and deaf rifle shooter Dhanush Srikanth.
Divya’s Chess Breakthrough
Divya Deshmukh has enjoyed a remarkable rise in international chess. She became India’s fourth female Grandmaster and strengthened her credentials by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia.
Her World Cup triumph further established the young chess player as one of India’s most promising names in the sport and added another major achievement to her rapidly growing career.
Tejaswin Makes Commonwealth History
Tejaswin Shankar is also among the standout names on this year’s list. The versatile athlete recently secured a bronze medal in the decathlon at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the event at the quadrennial competition.
Known for his achievements in both high jump and combined events, Shankar’s selection recognises his contribution to Indian athletics and his ability to compete successfully across disciplines.
Gayatri, Treesa Among Badminton Honourees
Badminton player Gayatri Gopichand, daughter of former All England champion and national coach Pullela Gopichand, has also been selected for the award. She has established herself on the international circuit in women’s doubles alongside Treesa Jolly, who is also part of the Arjuna Award list.
The pair have emerged as one of India’s notable women’s doubles combinations in recent years, making their inclusion particularly significant for Indian badminton.
The list also recognises Narender, a silver medallist at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and young deaf shooter Dhanush Srikanth, adding representation from boxing and para-sporting disciplines.
Lifetime Honour for Former Footballer
The honours also include a special recognition for veteran footballer I Arumainayagam, who has been selected for the Arjuna Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Arumainayagam was part of India’s footballing success at the 1962 Asian Games, where the Indian team won the gold medal. His recognition marks a tribute to his contribution to Indian football during one of the country’s most successful periods in the sport.
With athletes from chess, athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting and football featuring among this year’s awardees, the Arjuna Awards once again reflect the breadth of India’s sporting achievements across generations.
