The National Sports Day, celebrated annually on the 29th of August across India, is a day of recognition and honor for athletes, coaches, and integral contributors to the world of sports in the country. This year’s event will be greeted with unprecedented distinction: for the first time, five sports personalities will be bestowed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Recognizing Excellence in Sports
Provided by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honour in the country. The award is granted to the most standout sportsperson for their remarkable performance within a four-year period. Alongside the award, the recipient is presented with a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize amounting to Rs 7.5 lakh.
Historical Achievement for Five Athletes
Amongst the five athletes receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year are Indian hockey player Ms. Rani and para-athlete Shri Mariyappan T. Their achievements have made them exceptional recipients. Ms. Rani is set to become only the third Indian hockey player following Dhanraj Pillay and Sardar Singh to receive the prestigious award. Similarly, Shri Mariyappan T. will be the third para-athlete to earn the honour, joining the ranks of previous Paralympic medalists Devendra Jhajharia and Deepa Malik.
The Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award Recipients
The celebrations will extend beyond the Khel Ratna awards. A total of 27 sportspersons have been chosen to receive the distinguished Arjuna Award, while five deserving coaches will be honored with the Dronacharya Award. Each award recognizes its recipients’ commitment and dedication to the field of sports, thereby motivating and fostering potential talent among younger generations.
The Significance of National Sports Day
Every year, the 29th of August, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, who was born on this day in 1905, is observed as the National Sports Day in India. The occasion provides a platform for acknowledging exceptional contributions towards sports in the country and serves as a symbol of aspiration for budding athletes.
Through these awards and recognitions, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports brings the importance of sports into the limelight, aiming to promote a culture of athleticism, sporting spirit, and perseverance amongst the youth of India. By acknowledging the sweat and commitment poured by these athletes and coaches, they are setting a standard for those who aspire to make their mark in the field of sports.
