Recent events have brought into light the controversies surrounding the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour. Notably, athletes Manu Bhaker and Harvinder Singh have expressed dissatisfaction with this year’s shortlist for the award. Both athletes had remarkable performances during the Paris 2024 Games, with Bhaker winning two bronze medals in shooting and Harvinder securing gold in archery at the Paralympics.
Background of the Khel Ratna Award
The Khel Ratna Award was established in 1992 and was initially called the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. It recognises outstanding achievements in sports. The award aims to honour athletes who have made contributions to Indian sports over a sustained period.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Khel Ratna Award involves multiple stakeholders. National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, and state governments can nominate athletes. The Sports Ministry can also nominate athletes on its own accord. The process includes verification of achievements and doping history by the Sports Authority of India and the National Anti-Doping Agency.
Criticism from Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, who made history at the Paris Olympics, publicly questioned her worthiness for the award after her name was omitted from the shortlist. She expressed her feelings on social media, later deleting her post. Her father voiced regret over her choice of sport, suggesting that a more popular sport could have garnered her more recognition.
Harvinder Singh’s Allegations
Harvinder Singh has accused the selection committee of discrimination. He pointed out that while gold medalists from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics received the Khel Ratna Award, the gold medalists from the Paris 2024 Paralympics were overlooked. He stressed that the achievements in both competitions were equivalent.
Response from the Sports Ministry
In response to the criticisms, the Sports Ministry clarified that the list for the Khel Ratna Award had not yet been finalised. Officials indicated that there was no exclusion of names at this stage. The Ministry’s statement aimed to address concerns raised by Bhaker and Harvinder regarding transparency in the selection process.
Implications for Athletes
The controversies surrounding the Khel Ratna Award have broader implications for Indian athletes. They highlight the need for a transparent and fair selection process. The situation also raises questions about the recognition and support provided to athletes across various sports disciplines.
Future of the Khel Ratna Award
The ongoing discussions and criticisms may lead to reforms in the selection process for the Khel Ratna Award. Ensuring fairness and transparency could enhance the credibility of the award and restore trust among athletes.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of the Khel Ratna Award on the motivation of Indian athletes.
- Critically discuss the role of National Sports Federations in the selection process for sports awards.
- Point out the challenges faced by para-athletes in receiving recognition compared to their able-bodied counterparts.
- Analyse the significance of transparency in the selection processes of national sports awards.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of the Khel Ratna Award on the motivation of Indian athletes.
- The Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, which can boost an athlete’s morale and motivation.
- Recognition through awards can encourage athletes to strive for excellence and enhance their performance levels.
- It can also lead to increased financial support and sponsorship opportunities for awardees.
- Receiving the award can elevate an athlete’s status, leading to greater public and media attention.
- Conversely, exclusion from the shortlist can demotivate athletes and lead to feelings of neglect or discrimination.
2. Critically discuss the role of National Sports Federations in the selection process for sports awards.
- National Sports Federations (NSFs) are responsible for nominating athletes based on their performance and achievements.
- NSFs play important role in promoting sports and ensuring athletes receive recognition at national levels.
- However, the effectiveness of NSFs can vary, leading to inconsistencies in nominations and potential biases.
- There is often a lack of transparency in how NSFs select nominees, which can lead to allegations of favoritism.
- NSFs must ensure fair representation of all athletes, including those from less popular sports.
3. Point out the challenges faced by para-athletes in receiving recognition compared to their able-bodied counterparts.
- Para-athletes often face systemic discrimination and are overlooked in award nominations despite their achievements.
- There is a general lack of awareness and visibility for para-sports, leading to fewer sponsorship and funding opportunities.
- Recognition for para-athletes can be overshadowed by the achievements of able-bodied athletes, despite equivalent performances.
- Media coverage of para-sports is often limited, impacting public perception and support.
- Disparities in awards and honors can demotivate para-athletes and create a sense of inequality in the sports community.
4. Analyse the significance of transparency in the selection processes of national sports awards.
- Transparency in selection processes encourages trust among athletes and stakeholders in the integrity of the awards.
- Clear criteria and guidelines for nominations can reduce allegations of bias and favoritism.
- Transparency can encourage broader participation from athletes across various sports, knowing they have a fair chance.
- It enhances the credibility of the awards, ensuring that deserving athletes are recognized for their contributions.
- Open communication regarding the selection process can help address grievances and improve overall athlete satisfaction.
