📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kannan Shanmugam, Shanmugam studio, Kollam
Sports
Indian Footballers Express Disappointment Over Omission From Arjuna Awards
✍️ Zee News
🗓 02 Aug 2026, 04:18 PM
👁 1
A group of Indian footballers have voiced their disappointment after being overlooked for the Arjuna Awards, the country’s prestigious sports honour.
Several Indian footballers have publicly expressed their disappointment after being omitted from the list of recipients for the Arjuna Awards, the nation’s most prestigious sports honour. The announcement of the awardees, made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, did not include any football players, sparking criticism from the football community.
The Arjuna Awards recognise outstanding performance and contribution to sports in India. Football, which has seen growing popularity and success in recent years, was notably absent from the list, prompting questions about the selection criteria and representation of the sport.
Players and their representatives have called for a review of the selection process, arguing that footballers have achieved significant milestones on both national and international stages. They hope that future award cycles will better reflect the sport’s achievements.
The omission has prompted discussions among sports administrators and fans alike, with many urging the authorities to ensure that football receives due recognition in upcoming award ceremonies.
The Arjuna Awards recognise outstanding performance and contribution to sports in India. Football, which has seen growing popularity and success in recent years, was notably absent from the list, prompting questions about the selection criteria and representation of the sport.
Players and their representatives have called for a review of the selection process, arguing that footballers have achieved significant milestones on both national and international stages. They hope that future award cycles will better reflect the sport’s achievements.
The omission has prompted discussions among sports administrators and fans alike, with many urging the authorities to ensure that football receives due recognition in upcoming award ceremonies.