NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS 2021

WHY IN THE 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.

About:        

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
  • Formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, it is the highest award bestowed to a sportsperson 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 achievements in national sports events.
  • It is given for good performance over a period of the 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 wasinstituted 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 institutedin 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.