National Sports Awards 2021 | 05 Nov 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2021.

  • The National Sports Awards of India comprise six different awards given to sportspersons of India by the Central Government.

Key Points

  • About:
    • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
      • Formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, it is the highest award bestowed to a sports person in India and was instituted in the year 1991-1992.
      • It is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years.
      • It comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
    • Arjuna Award:
      • It was instituted in 1961 by the Government of India to recognise outstanding achievement in national sports events.
      • It is given for good performance over a period of previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
      • The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll of honour.
    • Dronacharya Award:
      • It was instituted in 1985 by the Government of India to recognise excellence in sports coaching.
      • It is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.
      • It carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of honour.
    • Dhyan Chand Award:
      • It was instituted in the year 2002 and comprises a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate and a ceremonial dress.
      • It is given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports events after their retirement.
    • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:
      • It was instituted in the year 1956-1957.
      • It is for university-level sports performances.
      • It is given to a university for "top performance in the inter-university tournaments" over the period of the last one year.
    • Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar:
      • It was instituted in the year 2009
      • It is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sector), sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the State and National level who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
  • Government Initiatives for Sports Development:

Source: PIB