India’s National Sports Awards of 2021 have been recently announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. These prestigious awards, numbering six in total, are conferred upon Indian sportspeople by the Central Government in recognition of excellence in their respective sports fields.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, is the most prestigious sports award in India and was introduced in 1991-1992. This award is reserved for sportspeople whose performance over the preceding four years has been exceptionally spectacular and outstanding. Recipients receive a medallion, a certificate, as well as a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
Arjuna Award
Incepted by the Indian Government in 1961, the Arjuna Award acknowledges impressive achievements in national level sports events. The selection criteria for this award include high-quality performance over the previous four years and the demonstration of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline. Winners are rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll of honour.
Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award came into existence in 1985, courtesy of the Government of India, to honour top-notch coaching in sports. Coaches who have consistently conducted meritorious work, enabling athletes to shine in international events, are selected for this award. Recipients receive a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of honour.
Dhyan Chand Award
The Dhyan Chand Award was established in 2002 to pay tribute to sportspeople who have not only achieved high performance in their sports career but also continue to contribute in promoting various sports after retirement. The award consists of a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate, and a ceremonial dress.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy
Created in 1956-1957, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy is awarded for superior performance at university-level sports events. It recognises a university that has demonstrated “top performance in inter-university tournaments” over the previous year.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, created in 2009, is awarded to corporate entities both private and public, sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the state and national level who have made visible contributions to sports promotion and development.
Government Initiatives for Sports Development
The Government of India has implemented several initiatives aimed at promoting and furthering sports development in the country apart from these awards. These include the Khelo India Scheme, National Sports Development Fund, the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) Scheme, Sports Authority of India Training Centres Scheme (STC), and the Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme.