Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh honoured with Arjuna Award
Indian Grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh have been named among the 17 recipients of the 2025 Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honour. The National Sports Awards were announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on August 18, 2026. Divya’s selection follows her victory at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, while Vidit has been recognised for his consistent contributions to Indian chess.
The National Sports Awards 2025 were announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with 17 players named for the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honour. These awards are given annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to honour those who have achieved excellence.
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A total of 17 outstanding athletes from various disciplines, including track and field, badminton, shooting, kabaddi, and para-sports, have been selected for the Arjuna Award 2025. This is the lowest number of athletes receiving the award since 2017. Notably, the list of awardees includes two Indian chess stars: Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi and 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh.
All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang extended heartfelt congratulations to Vidit and Divya in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi for being honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award!
Their exceptional performances, determination, and contributions to Indian chess have made the nation proud.
Heartfelt thanks to Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement to India’s sports champions and for consistently placing sports and athletes at the heart of our national aspirations.
Grateful to Honourable Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for his continued support to Indian sports and our chess champions.
A special salute to their parents for their sacrifices and unwavering faith, and to the millions of Indian chess fans whose love and encouragement inspire our players every day.
May Divya and Vidit continue to raise the tricolour ever higher!
