Sports Awards & Honours (India)
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
Introduction
Sports awards in India recognize athletes, coaches, and institutions for their contributions to Indian sports. The awards are presented annually by the President of India on National Sports Day (29th August) — the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand.
Memory Trick: K–A–D–D–M → Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Dhyan Chand, MAKA Trophy.
Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (Highest Sports Honour)
| Introduced | 1991–92 |
| Renamed | 2021 (Rajiv Gandhi to Dhyan Chand) |
| Given For | Highest sporting honour, exceptional international performance |
| Award Includes | Medallion, Certificate, ₹25 lakh |
| Presented By | President of India |
| Frequency | Annual (1 or more recipients) |
Khel Ratna = King of Awards.
Arjuna Award (Consistent Sports Performance)
| Introduced | 1961 |
| Given For | Consistent outstanding international performance (min 4 yrs) |
| Award Includes | Bronze statuette, Certificate, ₹15 lakh |
| Presented To | Men and women across recognized sports |
Arjuna Aims True – Reward for Consistency.
Dronacharya Award (Coaching Excellence)
| Introduced | 1985 |
| Given To | Coaches for producing international medal winners |
| Award Includes | Bronze statuette, Certificate, ₹15 lakh |
| Categories | Regular & Lifetime achievement |
Dronacharya Trains, Arjuna Gains.
Dhyan Chand Award (Lifetime Achievement in Sports)
| Introduced | 2002 |
| Given For | Lifetime contribution and continued promotion post-retirement |
| Award Includes | Plaque, Certificate, ₹10 lakh |
| Named After | Major Dhyan Chand (“Wizard of Hockey”) |
Dhyan Chand = Dedication Beyond Career.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
| Introduced | 1956–57 |
| Given To | Best performing University in sports |
| Presented By | President of India |
| Award Includes | Trophy & Certificate |
| Purpose | Foster sports culture in higher education |
MAKA = Master of Athletic Knowledge in Academia.
Summary Table – National Sports Awards
| Award Name | Introduced | Given For | Award Includes | Named After |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khel Ratna (Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) | 1991–92 | Highest honour for exceptional performance | ₹25 lakh + Medallion | Dhyan Chand |
| Arjuna Award | 1961 | Consistent outstanding performance | ₹15 lakh + Bronze Statuette | Arjuna |
| Dronacharya Award | 1985 | Excellence in Coaching | ₹15 lakh + Bronze Statuette | Dronacharya |
| Dhyan Chand Award | 2002 | Lifetime Achievement in Sports | ₹10 lakh + Plaque | Dhyan Chand |
| MAKA Trophy | 1956–57 | Best University in Sports | Trophy + Certificate | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad |
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Which is India’s highest sports honour?
A) Arjuna Award B) Dhyan Chand Award C) Khel Ratna Award D) Dronacharya Award
Show Answer
C) Khel Ratna Award
The Arjuna Award is given for —
A) Coaching Excellence B) Consistent Performance C) Lifetime Contribution D) University Sports Performance
Show Answer
B) Consistent Performance
The Dronacharya Award is presented to —
A) Sports Administrators B) Players C) Coaches D) Referees
Show Answer
C) Coaches
The Dhyan Chand Award is given for —
A) Best Coach B) Lifetime Achievement in Sports C) Consistent Performance D) University Sports
Show Answer
B) Lifetime Achievement in Sports
The MAKA Trophy is awarded to —
A) Best University in Sports B) Best School C) Best Athlete D) Best Coach
Show Answer
A) Best University in Sports
The Khel Ratna Award was renamed in 2021 after —
A) P.T. Usha B) Dhyan Chand C) Milkha Singh D) Rajyavardhan Rathore
Show Answer
B) Dhyan Chand
Which of the following awards was instituted first?
A) MAKA Trophy B) Arjuna Award C) Dronacharya Award D) Khel Ratna Award
Show Answer
A) MAKA Trophy (1956–57)
Who presents India’s National Sports Awards?
A) Prime Minister B) Sports Minister C) President of India D) Vice President
Show Answer
C) President of India
Which award is given posthumously or after retirement for continued contribution?
A) Arjuna Award B) Dronacharya Award C) Dhyan Chand Award D) Khel Ratna Award
Show Answer
C) Dhyan Chand Award
Pullela Gopichand has received which award?
A) Arjuna & Dronacharya B) Only Arjuna C) Only Khel Ratna D) MAKA Trophy
Show Answer
A) Arjuna & Dronacharya Awards
Quick Revision Table
| Award | For | Example Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Khel Ratna | Highest sports honour | Neeraj Chopra |
| Arjuna Award | Consistent performance | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| Dronacharya Award | Coaching excellence | Pullela Gopichand |
| Dhyan Chand Award | Lifetime achievement | Trupti Murgunde |
| MAKA Trophy | Best sports university | Guru Nanak Dev University |
Final Concept Recap
- Khel Ratna → Highest honour for sportspersons
- Arjuna Award → Consistent outstanding performance
- Dronacharya Award → Best coaches
- Dhyan Chand Award → Lifetime service
- MAKA Trophy → Best university in sports
One-Line Memory: Khel Ratna crowns players, Arjuna rewards effort, Dronacharya shapes heroes, Dhyan Chand honours legends.
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