No Khel Ratna This Year as 17 Athletes Named for Arjuna Awards; Questions Raised Over India’s Sporting Ambitions

The government has decided not to confer the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour, for 2025, while announcing Arjuna Awards for 17 athletes. The decision, based on recommendations made by a selection committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, has reignited debate about the country’s sporting standards and long-term ambitions, particularly as India pursues its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

The absence of a Khel Ratna recipient is a rare occurrence. Since the award’s inception in 1991-92, it has remained vacant only a handful of times. The selection panel reportedly concluded that no athlete met the exceptionally high benchmark required for the nation’s top sporting recognition this year.

While the Khel Ratna was left vacant, 17 sportspersons were selected for the Arjuna Award, which recognises consistent excellence at the national and international levels. The list includes athletes from a variety of disciplines, reflecting the breadth of talent emerging across Indian sport. In addition, one athlete was chosen for the Arjuna Award (Lifetime), while five coaches were named for the Dronacharya Award.

The announcement comes after months of delay that had frustrated athletes and sports administrators alike. The prolonged wait had prompted criticism from several sportspersons, who argued that timely recognition is an important part of encouraging excellence and motivating future generations.

The decision to leave the Khel Ratna vacant has also prompted broader questions about India’s preparedness to emerge as a global sporting powerhouse. With the country increasingly focused on improving its Olympic performance and strengthening its case for hosting the 2036 Games, some observers view the absence of a candidate worthy of the highest sporting honour as a reminder of the challenges that remain in elite athlete development.

The National Sports Awards will be presented by the President of India later this month, celebrating athletes, coaches and institutions that have contributed to the growth of Indian sport despite the absence of a Khel Ratna winner this year.