National Sports Awards 2021

• 05 Nov 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2021.

• The National Sports Awards of India comprise six different awards given to sportspersons of India by the Central Government.

Key Points

• About:
  
  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
    
    • Formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, it is the highest award bestowed to a sports person in India and was instituted in the year 1991-1992.
    • It is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of the previous four years.
    • It comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
  • Arjuna Award:
    
    • It was instituted in 1961 by the Government of India to recognise outstanding achievement in national sports events.
    • It is given for good performance over a period of previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
    • The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll of honour.
  • Dronacharya Award:
    
    • It was instituted in 1985 by the Government of India to recognise excellence in sports coaching.
    • It is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.
    • It carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of honour.
  • Dhyan Chand Award:
    
    • It was instituted in the year 2002 and comprises a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate and a ceremonial dress.
    • It is given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports events after their retirement.
  • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:
    
    • It was instituted in the year 1956-1957.
    • It is for university-level sports performances.
    • It is given to a university for "top performance in the inter-university tournaments" over the period of the last one year.
  • Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar:
    
    • It was instituted in the year 2009
    • It is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sector), sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the State and National level who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
• Government Initiatives for Sports Development:
  
  • Khelo India Scheme.
  • National Sports Development Fund.
  • The National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) Scheme.
  • Sports Authority of India Training Centres Scheme (STC).
  • Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme.

Source: PIB