Highest sports awards in India
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is given in memory of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This award started in 1991-92. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest ranked National Sports Award in India. 'Khel Ratna' means, this award is presented to those players who have exceptionally well performed in the field of sports. Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand was awarded the Khel Ratna for the first time in the year 1991-1992. The award carries a medal, a citation and seven and a half lakh rupees.
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| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna & Arjuna Award |
Arjuna Award
The oldest national sports award in India is the Arjuna Award. It was started in the year 1961. Dedicated to sports personalities for their excellence in sports, this award is the second most prestigious award after Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. The award is given for four consecutive years for outstanding performance, leadership quality, sportsmanship and discipline. An award of five lakh rupees, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a citation are given as prizes. In the year 1961, the award was given to a total of six players. In which Salim Durani was the first cricketer to be awarded this award.
Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award, instituted in the year 1985, is given to distinguished coaches, by whom the players are prepared to bring laurels to the country in international sporting events and win medals. The coach of the players is honored with this award. Under the Dronacharya Award, Guru Dronacharya's statue, certificate, traditional dress and a cash prize of five lakh rupees are given. The Dronacharya Award is conferred only to coaches who have done outstanding work both domestically and internationally for three consecutive years.
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| Dronacharya Award & Dhyanchand Award |
Dhyanchand Award
This award is the highest award instituted in the year 2002 for lifetime achievement in sports. The award is in the name of the legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyanchand. The recipients of this award are given a statue, certificate, traditional dress and cash of five lakh rupees. Each year more than three players are awarded with this award. The Dhyanchand Award was first presented to Aparna Ghosh, Ashok Dewan and Shahraj Birajjadar.