India’s National Sports Awards have yet again enshrined the country’s top athletes, including high jumper Tejaswin Shankar to take the Arjuna Award.
And this year’s list has been well received, not only for the names that are made up of the awardees, but also because no sportsperson has been awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, which is the country’s highest sporting honour. Shankar’s award is another historical feat in the career of the athlete and also underlines his contribution to Indian athletics.
Tejaswin Shankar has established himself as one of the top track and field athletes in India, especially in the high jump category. His journey has been remarkable as he has managed to marry international competition with constant efforts to help develop Indian athletics. Over the years, his performance has brought more attention to the high jump event in India, where athletics continues to be recognized more widely than other popular sports.
The Arjuna Award is one of India's most prestigious sporting awards and is awarded to those who have performed well in their sport and shown consistency. Shankar is amongst 17 recipients and is a very good name for Indian sport. The award is for the individual, because the sport is all about one and training and international competition is very important and we need to do it to win.
The absence of a Khel Ratna awardee is another striking aspect of the National Sports Awards announcement this year. The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna is the country’s highest sports honour and is awarded to athletes for outstanding performance and sports achievements and contributions. The Arjuna Award list of selected athletes and the achievements of the selected athletes has been the focus of the selection of no recipient this year and so everyone will be interested in this year’s National Sports Awards and in the selection of those.
The National Sports Awards are in depth in sports and not limited to one sport but rather encompass the whole spectrum. Athletes from Olympic sports, para-sports and other contests are more and more a part of national honours. Such a broad representation of Indian sport is representative of the changing nature of Indian sport and the country has champions in athletics, shooting, boxing, wrestling, badminton, weightlifting and many others.
Shankar’s name is of particular interest for high jump due to the physical and technical requirements to be physically strong, fast, balanced, flexible and precise in timing. To succeed at the top level, athletes need to maintain their training and performance while competing against some of the world’s best jumpers. The Arjuna Award not only acknowledges medals and results but also the overall contribution of an athlete and performance record.
Shankar's career has also demonstrated the changing pathways available to Indian athletes. He has participated in major international events and has tested himself against elite competition. His achievements have made him a familiar name among Indian athletics fans and his selection for the Arjuna Award could bring his achievements to an even wider audience.
The recognition comes at a time when Indian athletics is gaining more attention across the world. India's performances at international competitions have fueled a higher interest in track and field and athletes from all walks of life are starting to take part in international events. Government programs, better training facilities, professional coaching and exposure to international competitions have also contributed to the development of the country's athletics ecosystem.
Dealing with the Arjuna Awards is very much in the process because national recognition can lead young athletes to pursue sporting careers. Experienced athletes receiving high honours is motivation for emerging talent and it shows that lesser-known sports can also be recognised.
The 17 Arjuna Award recipients reflect the depth of talent that is available in Indian sport today. Each recipient comes from a different sports journey, involving years of preparation and competition. Thus the awards are an event where the medal-winning performance is witnessed but so is the dedication and discipline that goes with it.
The decision not to give out a Khel Ratna recipient will trigger some debate from sports fans and observers. The two awards have different purposes in the Indian sports honours system - the Arjuna Award is for the best of all sports and the Khel Ratna is for exceptional achievement. A Khel Ratna recipient does not lessen the significance of the Arjuna Award selection.
Tejaswin Shankar's honour can only serve to strengthen his standing in Indian athletics. High jump has historically received less mainstream attention than other sports in the country, but successful athletes have changed that impression. Shankar's recognition could increase the visibility of high jump and lead to younger athletes taking up high jump and other track and field events.
National awards can also impact athletes' careers more broadly. Recognition from the government can make the public even more aware of an athlete’s performance and encourage support from sporting institutions. Awards cannot replace training, competition and infrastructure but they are a key component to celebrating sporting excellence.
The most recent National Sports Awards announcement therefore goes beyond a list of names. It shows India’s continued push to recognize athletes from a multitude of sports. Tejaswin Shankar is one of the Arjuna Award recipients for athletics, and it shows how far we’ve come in our track and field.
As Indian sports are going international, they must see athletes from a variety of fields. Winning at the world level requires commitment, coaching systems that provide a constant support system for athletes. National honours are another way of recognizing those who have been there to support the project in this way.
Shankar's selection as one of 17 Arjuna Award recipients is another significant chapter in his sporting history. The honour is a recognition of his achievements alongside the best Indian sportspersons, and for his high jump ability. However, in this year’s awards, there is no Khel Ratna recipient.
The National Sports Awards are the most important annual celebration of Indian sport. So far, the national selection has once again shown the talent in India. With Tejaswin Shankar among the Arjuna Awardees and no Khel Ratna recipient, Indian sports fans will have lots to talk about and the achievements of Indian sportspeople who are still representing their country at the highest level.
