The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, former Asian Games gold medalist Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, shot put legend Bahadur Singh Chauhan, and long jump World Championships medalist Anju Bobby George were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in New Delhi. The ceremony took place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the national capital.
Honouring Indian Athletics Legends
PT Usha, widely regarded as one of India's finest track and field athletes, has won numerous gold medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. She also once held the national record in the women's 400m category. Gurbachan Singh Randhawa is best known for his gold medal in the decathlon at the 1962 Asian Games. Bahadur Singh Chauhan, a two-time Asian Games medalist (1978 and 1982) and a one-time Asian Championships gold medalist (1975) in shot put, later served as the head coach of the Indian athletics team, guiding several athletes. Anju Bobby George is celebrated for winning India's first-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships with a bronze in the long jump at Paris in 2003. She is also an Asian Games gold medalist and a Commonwealth Games medalist, and she holds the national women's long jump record, set during the 2004 Olympics.
AFI Awards: A Platform for Recognition
The AFI Awards have been conceptualised as a platform to honour current and former athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations, sponsors, and all other stakeholders whose contributions have played a vital role in India's growing success on the global athletics stage. The event saw participation from most of India's leading current and former athletes, making it a significant gathering for the Indian athletics fraternity and a celebration of the sport's rapid rise in the country.
Boosting Morale and Inspiring Young Athletes
Such initiatives are expected to play an important role in boosting the morale and confidence of Indian athletes, especially young and emerging talents, while also helping create a stronger culture of recognition and inspiration within the sport. The ceremony honoured excellence across 10 award categories, including Lifetime Achievement Awards, Best Athlete (Male & Female), Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association, and Best State Supporting Athletics.
