The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has opened online nominations for the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2025, India's highest national honour for outstanding achievements in adventure sports. The nomination period runs from July 21 to August 20, 2026, through the National Awards Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (https://awards.gov.in).
The award is presented in four categories: Land Adventure, Water (Sea) Adventure, Air Adventure, and Lifetime Achievement. Each award consists of a bronze statuette, certificate, blazer with silken tie (or saree), and award money of ₹15 lakh. The award holds equivalent status to the Arjuna Awards and is presented by the Government of India along with the National Sports Awards.
Indian citizens with outstanding achievements in adventure are eligible to apply. Applications require submission of a single indexed PDF containing year-wise achievements in chronological order with supporting documents. For Land, Water, and Air Adventure categories, achievements from the last three calendar years will be considered during selection. Serving personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force require mandatory recommendations, while other applicants may obtain recommendations from State Government Youth/Sports Departments or recognized adventure institutions.
The award aims to recognize exceptional accomplishments in adventure and inspire endurance, courage, teamwork, and leadership among Indian youth, while encouraging greater participation in adventure activities. Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, FAQs, and application format are available on the National Awards Portal or through the Latest News section of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports website.