Context
Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2021.
About National Sports Awards
The National Sports Awards of India comprise six different awards given to sportspersons of India by the Central Government. These are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 honor 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: 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 and 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.
