Indian Awards
Sports · भारतीय पुरस्कार
📋Quick Overview
The Indian government gives several prestigious awards to sportspersons. The highest sports honor is the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (formerly Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna). Other key awards are Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award.
📖Major Indian Sports Awards
| Award | For | Started | Given By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | Highest sports honor, outstanding performance over 4 years | 1991 | President of India |
| Arjuna Award | Outstanding performance in sports for 4 years | 1961 | President of India |
| Dronacharya Award | Outstanding coaches in sports | 1985 | President of India |
| Dhyan Chand Award | Lifetime achievement in sports | 2002 | President of India |
| Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar | Organizations promoting sports | 2009 | President of India |
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy | Top sports university | 1956 | President of India |
📝Key Facts
- •Khel Ratna was renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021
- •First Khel Ratna recipient: Viswanathan Anand (Chess, 1991-92)
- •Sachin Tendulkar received Khel Ratna in 1997
- •All sports awards are given on National Sports Day (29 August)
- •Arjuna Award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh
- •Khel Ratna carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh