NEWS

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

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sunil Chhetri becomes the first footballer to receive the ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021
• Olympic gold winner Neeraj Chopra receives Khel Ratna
• 35 Sports persons will receive Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2021
• Panjab University – Chandigarh is given Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy, Overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments

AWARDS

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:

• Given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years.
• Comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

Arjuna Award:

• Instituted in 1961
• To recognise outstanding achievement in national sports events.
• Good performance over a period of previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
• Carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll of honour.

Dronacharya Award:

• Instituted in 1985
• Rrecognise excellence in sports coaching.
• Given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.
• Carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of honour.

Dhyan Chand Award:

• Instituted in the year 2002
• Comprises a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate and a ceremonial dress.
• Honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports events after their retirement.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar:

• Instituted in the year 2009
• 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.