The National Sports and Adventure Awards 2022 were recently conferred by the President of India. Among the recipients was table tennis legend, Achanta Sharath Kamal, who received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for his exceptional performance in the Commonwealth Games 2022. This article shines a light on the various awards presented during this ceremony, their history, significance and the key facts associated with them.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Initially referred to as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sports honour given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The award recognizes the most outstanding performance in the sports realm by a sportsperson over a span of four years. The tangible recognition includes a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a medal, and a scroll of honour. The award was established in the year 1991-1992, with the first recipient being Chess maestro Viswanathan Anand.
Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award was instituted in 1985 by the Government of India to honour excellence in sports coaching. The award appreciates coaches for their remarkable work on a steady basis, which enables athletes to outshine at international events. Awardees receive a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya, and a scroll of honour.
Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award was instituted in 1961 by the Government of India to acknowledge notable achievement in national sports events. The award recognises good performance over the previous four years, along with leadership qualities, sportsmanship and discipline. The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna, and a scroll of honour.
Dhyan Chand Award
Established in 2002, the Dhyan Chand Award honours retired sportspersons who continue to contribute to the promotion of sports, following their commendable sporting performance during their active years. 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
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy was instituted in the year 1956-57 to celebrate top performances in university-level sports. The trophy is given to a university for its sustained excellence in inter-university tournaments over the past year.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar was established in the year 2009 and it is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sectors), sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the State and National levels who have made significant contributions towards sports promotion and development.
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards
This annual award recognises individuals for their achievements in the realm of adventure. It aims to inspire young people to develop endurance, risk-taking, cooperation, quick reflexes in challenging circumstances, and to participate actively in adventure activities.