Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award | 22 Aug 2020

Why in News

For the first time five sports persons will be receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna on the occasion of the National Sports Day on 29th August.

Key Points

  • 27 sports persons have also been finalised for the Arjuna Award while five coaches will receive the Dronacharya Award.
  • Ms. Rani will become only the third Indian hockey player after Dhanraj Pillay and Sardar Singh to receive the Khel Ratna.
  • Shri Mariyappan T. is the only third Indian para-athlete to be awarded the Khel Ratna award, after former Paralympic medallists Devendra Jhajharia and Deepa Malik.
  • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years.
    • The award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.
  • The National Sports Day is observed every year across India on 29th August to mark the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand who was born on 29th August 1905.

Source: PIB