Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary named Best Male and Female Athletes at inaugural Indian Athleti...
Indian Athletics Awards 2025 was held in New Delhi in June 2026 and marked the inaugural edition of the ceremony organized by the Athletics Federation of India. The event honoured the year’s top performers, with Neeraj Chopra named Best Male Athlete and Parul Chaudhary named Best Female Athlete. The awards also recognised season-long achievements in Indian track and field and paid tributes to legendary athletes who shaped Indian athletics. The ceremony included performances, presentations, and a look at future prospects in the sport. Organisers said the awards aim to boost grassroots athletics and encourage higher standards in national competition. The event highlighted emerging talents from across India.
Inaugural Indian Athletics Awards 2025 held in New Delhi
Neeraj Chopra named Best Male Athlete; Parul Chaudhary named Best Female Athlete
Honours season-long achievements and legends in Indian athletics
Ceremony included performances and tributes
Aim: boost grassroots athletics and national standards
Jun 23, 2026
International Olympic Day Observed on 23 June
International Olympic Day is observed each year on 23 June. The day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and promotes sport participation worldwide. It highlights Olympic values such as excellence, friendship, and respect. Host cities and communities often organize local sports events, youth activities, and motivational campaigns to encourage people of all ages to stay active. While the day has global reach, it also serves to inspire school and community sports programs across India. Organizers emphasize inclusive participation and fair play as core principles of sport.
India wins FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026, earns Pro League promotion
India won the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026, defeating hosts New Zealand 2–0 in the final in New Zealand. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and had earlier defeated Chile 6–0 in the semi‑final. This victory secures India’s promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League for the 2026–27 season, strengthening the country’s standing in international women’s hockey. Players and coaches celebrated the achievement as a milestone for Indian women’s hockey, highlighting improvements in domestic training and youth development programs. The result could boost investment and participation in women’s sports across India.
India defeated New Zealand 2–0 in the final.
Unbeaten throughout the Nations Cup; beat Chile 6–0 in semi-final.
Promotion to FIH Women’s Pro League 2026–27 earned.
Win signals progress in Indian women’s hockey development.
Positive impact on participation and investment in women’s sports.
Jun 18, 2026
AIFF Under-17 Women’s Youth League to begin in Chhattisgarh
The inaugural AIFF Under-17 Women’s Youth League will be held from 18 to 29 July 2026 at RKM Football Academy, Narainpur, in Chhattisgarh. Sixteen teams have been invited, divided into four groups of four for the group stage, with top teams progressing to knockout rounds. This is the first national youth league dedicated to Under-17 women’s clubs in India, aimed at developing young talent and increasing exposure for female players. Organizers hope the league will bolster women’s football, create pathways to professional play, and expand access to competitive football in remote areas.
Inaugural AIFF Under-17 Women’s Youth League in 2026
Strengthens France’s standing in international football
Jun 17, 2026
Smriti Mandhana named to TIME100 Sports list 2026
Smriti Mandhana was named to TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026, appearing in the Titans category. As vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Mandhana is recognised for her leadership and high-impact batting across formats. The TIME100 list marks a global acknowledgment of athletes shaping sports culture, policy, and gender equality. Mandhana’s inclusion underscores her status as one of India’s premier cricketers and a role model for aspiring players. The announcement draws attention to Indian women’s sport on the world stage and highlights ongoing growth in cricket leadership.
Recipient: Smriti Mandhana
List: TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026
Category: Titans
Role: Vice-captain, Indian women’s cricket
Significance: Global recognition of Indian women’s cricket
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