NEW DELHI, Aug 19: Chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh are among 17 sportspersons selected for the Arjuna Awards 2025, with the National Sports Awards announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on August 18.
The recognition highlights the achievements of athletes across a range of disciplines. Gujrathi and Deshmukh’s inclusion reflects the growing prominence of Indian chess on the international stage.
The awards list also includes athletes from athletics, boxing, hockey, shooting, wrestling and other sporting disciplines. The honours recognise sustained performances and contributions to Indian sport.
Notably, no athlete was recommended for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2025. This is only the third occasion since the award’s introduction that no recipient has been selected for the country’s highest sporting honour.
The National Sports Awards recognise athletes and coaches who have made notable contributions through performances at national and international competitions. The latest selections once again underline the depth of India’s sporting talent across multiple disciplines.
