In a proud moment for Indian sports, 14-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar was conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for children.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was among 19 exceptional children honored at Rashtrapati Bhavan for excellence in categories including bravery, art, innovation, and sports on Friday, December 26.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Honored with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, honorable President Droupadi Murmu honored the winners of the 2025 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi in a grand celebration of young talent on Friday.
The 14-year-old Suryavanshi made the entire nation proud after being honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 by the honorable president at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The young left-handed batter from Bihar was recognized for his achievements in the game of cricket.
To attend the ceremony in New Delhi, the teenager had to miss Bihar’s crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 match against Manipur. It was an emotionally overwhelming recognition of his and his family’s hard work as Vaibhav, dressed in formal attire, received the award from the president.
India’s young sporting star shines on the national stage
14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, presented by hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu, celebrating excellence, dedication and promise.#VaibhavSuryavanshi… pic.twitter.com/C1Ij9v3woX
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 26, 2025
The Significance of the Bal Puraskar Award
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded by the Government of India to children aged between 5 and 18 years for exceptional achievements in six categories: Innovation, Scholastic, Sports, Art & Culture, Social Service, and Bravery.
The award includes a medal, a citation, and a certificate presented to each winner. This honor motivates young people, supports talent, and helps build the nation by celebrating children who make the country proud. Receiving this honor places Vaibhav among India’s most distinguished young achievers.
What Did Honorable President Droupadi Murmu Say in Her Speech?
Droupadi Murmu said at the award ceremony, “Your achievements inspire the entire nation. Every child honored today is equally important and valued. It is because of such talented children that India continues to shine on the global stage. Your exceptional talents have been showcased across bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports. Each one of you has done remarkable work.”
Read Also: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s India debut fast-tracked with close reference to Sachin Tendulkar
The honorable president added, “While I may mention only a few due to time constraints, every child honored today is equally important and respected. It is because of such gifted children that India is being recognized globally as a chess powerhouse, a moment worthy of applause. Today, their parents have been honored. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and offer prayers for peace to the departed souls. Their bravery will continue to inspire children across the nation.”
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a young cricket star from Bihar. Born in 2011, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar at just 12 years old in January 2024, becoming the second-youngest player to do so. He became the youngest Indian to score a T20 century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and later recorded the fastest century in youth Test matches for India U-19.
Earlier this year, Vaibhav became the youngest IPL debutant after being signed up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore. He then went on to become the IPL’s youngest centurion with a 38-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans. He has already played 8 first-class games (207 runs), 7 List-A games (322 runs), and 18 T20s (701 runs) for UP.
