The National Sports Awards are a group of sports awards presented annually by the Government of India to recognize and honor the achievements of sportspersons in the country. There are several categories of awards that are presented.
List of India's National Sports Awards
India is a nation that takes its sports very seriously. Every year, the Indian government recognizes some of the best athletes and coaches in the country with a series of National Sports Awards. These awards are given out to recognize the achievements of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of sports in India. This list outlines some of the most prestigious awards that are handed out annually by the government of India.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour in India, conferred annually by the President of India. It is named after the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and was established in 1991. The award is awarded to sportspersons for their outstanding performance in a particular sport for a given year. The award carries a cash prize of ₹7.5 lakh and a certificate.
Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in sports coaching. It is named after legendary archer Guru Dronacharya and was established in 1985. The award carries a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, a scroll of honour, and a cash prize of ₹500,000.
Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in sports performance. It is the second highest sporting honour in India after the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. The award was established in 1961 and carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a bronze statuette of Arjuna, the legendary archer.
Dhyan Chand Award
The Dhyan Chand Award is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward lifetime achievements in sports. It is named after legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand and was established in 2002. The award carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a silver statuette of Dhyan Chand.
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in adventurous sports. It is named after legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay and was established in 1989. The award carries a cash prize of ₹3 lakh and a certificate.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in sports among school students. It is named after legendary freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and was established in 2008. The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a certificate.
Eklavya Award
The Eklavya Award is an annual sports honour presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in sports among tribal communities. It is named after legendary archer Eklavya and was established in 1996. The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a certificate.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is an annual sports honor presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward individuals and organizations for their contribution towards the promotion of sports in India. It was established in 2008 and carries a cash prize of ₹2 lahks and a certificate.
Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award
The Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award is an annual sports honor presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward lifetime achievements in sports. It is named after legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand and was established in 2002. The award carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakh and a silver statuette of Dhyan Chand.
Rashtriya Khel Ratna Award
The Rashtriya Khel Ratna Award is an annual sports honor presented by the Government of India to recognize and reward excellence in sports performance. It is the highest sporting honor in India and was established in 1961. The award carries a cash prize of ₹7.5 lahks and a certificate.
The National Sports Awards are presented by the President of India on National Sports Day, which is celebrated every year on August 29.
