LUCKNOW, Aug. 19 -- Rajkumar Pal, Priyanka Goswami, Arvind Singh and Akhil Sheoron, athletes from Uttar Pradesh, have been awarded the Arjuna Award for 2026, recognised for their achievements in Indian sport. Pal was a member of the men's bronze-winning hockey team at the Paris Olympics, Priyanka Goswami has been the country's top woman race walker and Arvind is a rower. Pal, a midfielder, is from Karampur village in Ghazipur district. His rise to the Olympic stage is especially notable as it came after years of hard work at international level. He had already contributed to India's success in competitions such as the Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy. Pal first picked up a hockey stick aged 10 at Meghbaran Hockey Academy. His early years were shaped by hardship after his father died in a road accident in 2011. But he continued his hockey with the support of his mother and elder brothers. At the Paris Olympics, Pal's most memorable contribution came in the quarterfinal against Great Britain, where he scored the decisive goal in the shootout, helping India stay in the medal race. A race walker of repute, Meerut's Priyanka has established herself as one of India's leading race walkers. Her success is built on discipline, patience and self-belief. A silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Priyanka's story shows that success is not only about talent but also about sacrifice, mental toughness, and consistency. She has faced financial struggles, tough training routines and pressure in competition, yet she kept moving forward. Bulandshahr's Arvind is an Olympian rower. Born in a modest family, the single and double sculls rower has propelled him from local waterways to the world stage. His talent and relentless training earned him a spot at the Olympics, where he participated in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls event. Arvind has also inspired aspiring rowers across the state, conducting coaching clinics and mentoring young athletes to pursue the sport. Baraut's Akhil Sheoran is one of India's leading rifle shooters in the 50m three-position event. He won a gold medal in the team event at the 2023 ISSF World Shooting Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, and added an individual bronze, securing an Olympic quota for India. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Sheoran teamed up with Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Swapnil Kusale to win the men's 50m rifle 3P team gold with a world-record score of 1,769 points. Known for his composure and consistency, Sheoran continues to strengthen India's growing reputation in international shooting. Reputed boxing coach Chotey Lal Yadav has been bestowed with the Dronacharya award. The contribution of Yadav, a dedicated boxing coach from Varanasi, is laudable. He shaped the early career of six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom. In Varanasi's stuffy gyms he pushed young athletes through dawn drills, building endurance and confidence. His belief in Mary Kom's talent never wavered as he encouraged her to fight smarter, not just harder. Though modest and rarely in the spotlight, Yadav's mentorship laid the foundation for a champion, creating a legacy of resilience in his pupils. "Together, these four sportspersons and a coach represent the depth of talent in Uttar Pradesh and the wider growth of Indian sport," said UP's director sports, RP Singh, on Tuesday. "These athletes from the state are making an impact in both team and individual disciplines. Their recognition with the Arjuna Award is not just their personal honour, but is also a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh and Indian sports," he said....