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National Sports Awards

The National Sports Awards of India comprises of six distinct awards presented to sportspersons in
India by the Central Government. The sports awards are generally given annually by the Ministry of
Youth Affairs and Sports.

Here are the six national sports awards of India:

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, formerly known
as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, is the highest award bestowed
on a sportsperson in India. It is given for the “most outstanding
performance by a sportsperson” over the period of the last four years.

Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award was instituted in 1961 by the Government of India
to recognise outstanding achievement in national sports events. The
award carries a cash prize of ` 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna, and
a scroll of honour.

Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award is an award presented by the Government
of India for excellence in sports coaching. The award carries a cash
prize of ` 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya, and a scroll of
honour.

Dhyan Chand Award
The Dhyan Chand Award is given for “lifetime contribution to sports
development” to those sportspersons who have contributed to sports
by their performance and continue to contribute to the promotion
of sports even after their retirement from active sporting career. The
award carries a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of ` 10 lakh, a
certificate, and a ceremonial dress.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy is for university-level sports
performances. It is given to a university for “top performance in
inter-university tournaments” over the last year.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar was instituted in the year
2009. This award is given to both individuals and private or public
organisations for playing a visible role in the area of sports promotion
and development over the last three years.

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