New Delhi, Nov 13: President Ram Nath Kovind gave away the National Sports Awards for the year 2021 at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in an elaborate ceremony prepared by the Union Ministry of Youth Welfare and Sports. Union Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of State Nisith Pramanik and other senior officials were also present on the occasion that was organized to recognize the outstanding contribution of Indian nationals to the field of sports.
Awards given out include the following:
- ▪ Major Dhavanchand Khel Ratna Award: The highest honour in the field of sports in India whererecipients are selected by a committee constituted by the Sports Ministry and honoured for their outstanding performance over a period of the previous four years. The award comprises of a medallion, certificate and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh. 12 sportspersons were awarded this year.
- ▪ Arjuna Award: The second highest honour in the field of sports in India with the same criteria as the Khel Ratna. The award includes a bronze statuette of Arjuna, certificate, ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh. 35 sportspersons were awarded this year.
- ▪ Dronacharya Award: It is presented to coaches for their consistent meritorious work. The award comes with a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, certificate, ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh. 10 individuals were awarded, combining lifetime and regular categories.
- ▪ Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games: 5 sportspersons were honoured with the ‘Dhyanchand Award’ for lifetime achievement in sports.
- ▪ Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: It is awarded to corporate entities, sports control boards and sports NGOs that are active contributors in the area of sports promotion and development.
- ▪ Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy: It is given to the overall top-performing universities during inter-university tournaments.The event was spectacular and the celebration truly reflected the spirit and glory that these sportspersons, coaches and institutions have brought to our country.
