National Sports Awards
Delhi Police & SSC Exams – GK Section
Introduction
India recognizes outstanding achievements in sports through four major national awards given every year by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. These honor exceptional players, coaches, and contributors to Indian sports.
Memory Trick: K–A–D–D → Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Dhyan Chand.
Keep Athletes Dedicated Daily!
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (Highest Sports Honor)
- Established: 1991 (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, renamed 2021)
- Named After: Major Dhyan Chand (Hockey Legend)
- Given By: President of India
- Presented By: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Purpose: Outstanding 4-year performance in sports
- Award Includes: Medallion, certificate, ₹25 lakh cash
- First Recipient: Viswanathan Anand (Chess, 1991–92)
Mnemonic: Khel Ratna = King of Sports Awards.
Arjuna Award
- Established: 1961
- Named After: Arjuna – Mahabharata’s archer symbolizing focus
- Given By: President of India
- Presented For: Consistent outstanding performance (4 years)
- Award Includes: Bronze statuette, certificate, ₹15 lakh cash
- Fields Covered: All recognised sports
Mnemonic: Arjuna Award = Archer’s Accuracy in Achievement.
Dronacharya Award (For Coaches)
- Established: 1985
- Named After: Guru Dronacharya – legendary teacher of Arjuna
- Given By: President of India
- For: Coaches who have trained medal-winning athletes
- Award Includes: Bronze statue, certificate, ₹15 lakh cash
- Categories: Lifetime Achievement & Regular Category
Mnemonic: Dronacharya trains the Arjunas of today.
Dhyan Chand Award (Lifetime Achievement)
- Established: 2002
- Named After: Major Dhyan Chand (Hockey Legend)
- Given By: President of India
- For: Lifetime contribution to sports or sports promotion
- Award Includes: Certificate, plaque, ₹10 lakh cash
- Focus: Retired players who inspire generations
Mnemonic: Dhyan Chand = Dedication Beyond Career.
Summary Table – National Sports Awards
| Award | For | Established | Named After | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khel Ratna | Highest performance honor | 1991 | Major Dhyan Chand | 4-year excellence |
| Arjuna Award | Outstanding player | 1961 | Arjuna | Consistent achievement |
| Dronacharya Award | Coach | 1985 | Guru Dronacharya | Training champions |
| Dhyan Chand Award | Lifetime achiever | 2002 | Major Dhyan Chand | Contribution after retirement |
Mnemonic: Khel Ratna crowns, Arjuna competes, Dronacharya coaches, Dhyan Chand contributes.
PYQs – National Sports Awards (Delhi Police, SSC)
Which is the highest sports award in India?
A) Arjuna Award B) Khel Ratna Award C) Dhyan Chand Award D) Dronacharya Award
Show Answer
B) Khel Ratna Award
The Khel Ratna Award was renamed after which legendary sportsperson?
A) Kapil Dev B) Major Dhyan Chand C) P.T. Usha D) Milkha Singh
Show Answer
B) Major Dhyan Chand
The Arjuna Award was first given in —
A) 1958 B) 1961 C) 1970 D) 1985
Show Answer
B) 1961
The Dronacharya Award is given to —
A) Young athletes B) Coaches C) Umpires D) Sports journalists
Show Answer
B) Coaches
The Dhyan Chand Award is given for —
A) Winning medals B) Lifetime contribution to sports C) Coaching performance D) New records
Show Answer
B) Lifetime contribution to sports
Who was the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award?
A) P.T. Usha B) Viswanathan Anand C) Kapil Dev D) Leander Paes
Show Answer
B) Viswanathan Anand
Which of the following awards is given to Indian coaches?
A) Arjuna Award B) Dronacharya Award C) Khel Ratna Award D) Dhyan Chand Award
Show Answer
B) Dronacharya Award
The Dhyan Chand Award was instituted in —
A) 1991 B) 1985 C) 2002 D) 2005
Show Answer
C) 2002
Major Dhyan Chand is associated with which sport?
A) Football B) Hockey C) Cricket D) Athletics
Show Answer
B) Hockey
Which ministry presents all four national sports awards?
A) Ministry of Culture B) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports C) Ministry of Education D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
B) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Quick Revision – One-Line Memory
| Award | For | Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Khel Ratna | Highest performance honor | 4-year excellence |
| Arjuna Award | Consistent player performance | Symbol of focus |
| Dronacharya Award | Best coaches | Trainers of champions |
| Dhyan Chand Award | Lifetime contribution | Post-retirement recognition |
Mnemonic: Khel inspires, Arjuna achieves, Dronacharya trains, Dhyan Chand dedicates.
Final Concept Recap
- Khel Ratna – India's highest sporting honor
- Arjuna Award – Recognizes consistent performers
- Dronacharya Award – Honors top coaches
- Dhyan Chand Award – Lifetime achievers
From Arjuna’s focus to Dhyan Chand’s glory — India celebrates sporting excellence at every level.
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