"We Have the Capability Within Us”: Neeraj Chopra as He and Parul Chaudhary Win AFI Athlete of the Year Awards

Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary receive the AFI Athlete of the Year 2025 award presented by the Union Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandavaiya. They won the award in the male and female categories, respectively.

Dr. Mansukh Mandavaiya spoke on the growth of Indian athletics. “Indian athletics has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last decade, with our athletes delivering world-class performances on the biggest stages. The Indian Athletics Awards are a fitting tribute to the individuals and institutions driving this progress. These awards will further strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem.”

Neeraj Chopra insisted the young athletes remain patient in their careers, “My only advice is to keep working hard on the field and remain patient. Never rush things, because you have your entire career ahead of you. Stay safe from injuries, always listen to your team, and believe in yourself. The biggest thing is that we Indians think that Europeans or Americans are stronger, but I feel we have the capability within us to achieve anything. As you can see, we are performing so well, and I believe there is a whole career ahead. Just have faith and patience, and amazing things will happen.” When asked about the Doha Diamond League, he added, “Got to compete after so long, and it was a good throw. There is a lot of year remaining, and I will do better.”

Parul Chaudhary, an Indian steeplechase athlete, shared her feelings on winning the athlete of the year award, “I mean, it’s very good. It’s my first award from the Federation of India, so I feel good. If you look at it, it means a lot, I mean very much, and this has also given me motivation to perform well in upcoming competitions.” “Athletics is a sport that demands patience, discipline, and perseverance every single day. I am grateful to my coaches, support staff and family for their constant support. I hope my journey encourages more young girls to take up athletics and pursue their dreams,” she added.

Sportscape observes that the AFI Awards mark an important step in building a culture of recognition around Indian athletics. With Neeraj Chopra’s recent comeback and Parul Chaudhary pushing her boundaries, the two best athletes are ready for the remaining 2026 Championships. The Commonwealth Games and the Diamond League season ahead will be the next major test for both.