Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was conferred with the Best Male Athlete of the Year award by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on June 20, 2026. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya handed over the award to Chopra at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
Recognition from AFI
The award recognises Chopra's outstanding achievements in the 2025 season, which included a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships and a Diamond League title. Chopra said the honour held a special place in his heart as it came in the presence of athletes from different generations.
Event Highlights
The event saw the participation of several past and present athletics stars. Chopra, who has been a consistent performer on the global stage, expressed gratitude to the AFI and the sports minister for the recognition. He also credited his coaches and support staff for their role in his success.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Chopra for his dedication and contribution to Indian athletics. He said the government remains committed to supporting athletes and providing them with the best facilities to excel internationally.
Chopra's Journey
Neeraj Chopra, who won India's first Olympic gold in athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has continued to dominate the javelin throw event. In 2025, he became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, further cementing his legacy as one of India's greatest athletes.
The AFI award is the latest in a series of accolades for Chopra, who has also been honoured with the Padma Shri and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
