Metal trophies are the default choice for most Indian events. Cricket tournaments, school annual days, corporate recognition nights, if there’s an award going up on stage, there’s a good chance it’s metal.
And for good reason. Metal feels heavy in your hands. It looks serious on a shelf. A zinc alloy trophy finished in gold plating doesn’t fade after 2 years the way acrylic does.
So here’s everything you need to know before you order.
What "metal trophy" actually means
People say “metal trophy” but what they usually get is zinc alloy with a gold or silver electroplated finish. That’s the industry standard for trophies in India, and it’s perfectly fine for most events.
The actual metal types you’ll see:
Zinc alloy is the most common. It’s cast into detailed shapes, takes gold and silver plating well, and stays under ₹700 for most sizes. Sports events, school prize distributions, district-level tournaments, this is what they use.
Aluminium is lighter. Good when you’re ordering 100 pieces and your shipping cost matters. Slightly less premium feel, but still looks sharp.
Brass is for when you want something that actually feels heavy. Corporate awards, retirement gifts, long-service recognition. A brass trophy with laser engraving on a walnut base hits differently than a zinc piece.
Read – Crystal trophy – why crystal awards look premium and cost more
Types of metal trophies by use case
Sports events
The classic cup trophy – tall stem, wide cup on top, is what most cricket and football organizers reach for. Sizes range from 9 inches for participation awards to 18+ inches for championship trophies.
If you’re running a school sports day, a column trophy with a figurine on top (a bowler, a footballer, a runner) adds specificity. The kid who won the 100m sprint will actually want to keep that.
School annual days
Schools typically order 3 sizes: small for class-level prizes (around ₹200–300), medium for subject toppers (₹400–600), and a large championship piece for the best-in-school award (₹800–1,500).
Bulk orders of 20+ pieces almost always come with free name engraving. Worth confirming before you order.
Corporate events
Corporate buyers usually go one of 2 ways. Either a metal trophy with a dark wooden base (looks polished, sits well on a desk), or they skip the traditional cup shape entirely and go with a metal plate on a crystal base.
For employee of the month, sales achiever awards, long-service recognition, the wooden-base metal piece is the most common choice across India.
Metal trophy prices in India - realistic numbers
Size | Approx. height | Price range |
Small | 8-10 inches | ₹150-₹350 |
Medium | 11-14 inches | ₹350-₹700 |
Large | 15-18 inches | ₹700-₹1,500 |
Premium | 18+ inches | ₹1,500-₹2,500 |
Prices vary by material (zinc vs brass), finish quality, base type, and whether you’re doing custom engraving. Bulk orders of 20 or more pieces typically drop the per-unit cost.
Gold plated vs silver plated - which to choose
Gold finish is the default for first-place trophies and championship awards. It reads as “winner.”
Silver finish works well for runner-up positions, academic excellence awards, and corporate recognition where you want something that looks elegant but not flashy.
Some events use both, gold for the main winner, silver for second and third. Others just go gold across the board and vary the size instead.
Custom engraving: what you can add
Standard engraving on a metal trophy nameplate includes:
- Recipient’s name
- Award title (Best Player, Academic Excellence, etc.)
- Event name and year
- Organization/school name
Most manufacturers do 3-4 lines of text. Laser engraving on brass gives you a cleaner finish than pad printing. If you’re ordering corporate awards specifically, ask for laser.
At Krishna Trophies, engraving is free for bulk orders, depending on the order quantity. There is usually a nominal charge for single-piece orders, which should be clarified at the time of placing the order.
How to order metal trophies in India
Step 1: Decide on quantity. Single piece or bulk? Your price per unit changes significantly at 10, 20, and 50 pieces.
Step 2: Pick your size and material. For sports events: zinc alloy, 12-14 inches. For corporate: brass or zinc with wooden base. For school annual days: zinc alloy, mix of small and medium.
Step 3: Confirm engraving text. Have a list ready. Name, event, year. Send it in a spreadsheet if it’s 20+ pieces, much easier for the manufacturer to process.
Step 4: Check delivery timeline. Standard orders ship in 3–5 working days. Bulk orders with custom engraving on 50+ pieces can take 7–10 days. Order early if you have a fixed event date.
Step 5: Verify the invoice. If you’re a school or company buying in bulk, ask for a GST invoice upfront. Most trophy shops in India provide one, but confirm before placing the order.
Where to buy metal trophies in India
You can order directly from Krishna Trophies – based in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, with delivery across India. Metal trophies start at ₹150 for small pieces and go up to ₹2,500 for premium brass corporate awards.
Bulk orders with free engraving start from 20 pieces. If you have a specific requirement, a particular size, a logo on the base, a non-standard engraving, contact them directly on WhatsApp for a custom quote. Usually the fastest way to get a price.
A few things worth knowing before you order
Metal trophies are heavier than acrylic, so courier costs for large bulk orders can add up. Factor that in when comparing prices from different suppliers.
Plated finishes can dull slightly over years, especially in humid environments. A quick wipe with a dry cloth keeps them looking clean. Brass pieces can be polished back to full shine with any standard metal polish.
And if you’re ordering for a recurring annual event, the same sports day, the same recognition function, buying 10–15% extra pieces and storing them saves time next year. Same design, same engraving template, easier reorder.
Browse trophies at Krishna Trophies
Metal Trophy - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the price of a metal trophy in India?
Metal trophy prices in India range from ₹150 to ₹2,500. Small trophies (8-10 inches) cost ₹150-₹350, medium trophies (11-14 inches) cost ₹350-₹700, and large or premium brass trophies go up to ₹2,500. Bulk orders of 20 or more pieces typically reduce the per-unit cost.
Q2: Which metal is used to make trophies in India?
Most trophies in India are made from zinc alloy with gold or silver electroplating. Aluminium is used for lightweight bulk orders. Brass is used for premium corporate and long-service awards. Zinc alloy is the most common because it’s durable, casts detailed shapes well, and stays affordable.
Q3: Can I get custom engraving on metal trophies?
Yes. Standard engraving on a metal trophy includes the recipient’s name, award title, event name, and year, usually 3 to 4 lines of text. Laser engraving on brass gives the cleanest finish. At Krishna Trophies, engraving is free on bulk orders of 20 or more pieces.
Q4: How long does it take to deliver metal trophies in India?
Standard metal trophy orders ship within 3–5 working days across India. Bulk orders with custom engraving on 50 or more pieces can take 7-10 working days. Express delivery within Gwalior and nearby areas in Madhya Pradesh is available within 24–48 hours for urgent requirements.
Q5: What is the difference between a metal trophy and an acrylic trophy?
Metal trophies are heavier, more durable, and look more prestigious than acrylic. They’re made from zinc alloy or brass with gold or silver plating and don’t fade or crack over time. Acrylic trophies are lighter and cheaper but can yellow with age. Metal is the better choice for sports events, corporate awards, and school annual days.