Sports Awards in India

Sports Awards in India

Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2024.

  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – Considered India’s highest sporting honour.  
    • Given for outstanding performances in sports spanning over a period of 4 years 
    • Winners receive a medallion, certificate and a cash prize
    • Earlier known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
  • Arjuna Award – Awarded for consistently good performance over a period of 4 years.  
    • Winners receive a statuette of Arjuna, a certificate and a cash prize. 
  • Dronacharya Award – India’s highest sports honour for coaches.  
    • Awarded to individuals for producing medal winners at prestigious international events. 
  • Major Dhyan Chand Award – Named after India’s hockey magician Dhyan Chand.
    • Represents India’s highest honour for lifetime achievements in sports. 
  • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy – Given to an institution or university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last one year. 
  • Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar – Awarded to organisations or corporates (both private and public) and individuals for playing a role in the area of sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.

Source: PIB


Previous Year Question

Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards:
Award Name                                                             Purpose
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award       –         For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by  sportsperson over the last four years.
Arjuna Award                                                –            For lifetime achievement by a sportsperson.
Dronacharya Award                                     –            To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar               –        To recognize the contribution made by sports persons even after their retirement.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) All four

Answer: (b)


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