National Sports Awards

The President of India recently presented the National Sports Awards 2024, honouring outstanding contributions to sports and adventure in India.

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Award Categories

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

• It is considered India’s highest sporting honour, established in 1991-92.
• It recognises outstanding performance over four years.
• The award was named after Major Dhyan Chand (1905–79), an iconic hockey legend who led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936).

 

2024 Awardees

• Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
• Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
• Gukesh D (Chess)
• Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)

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Arjuna Award

• It was established in 1961 for consistent performance over the past four years.
• Named After: Arjuna, the legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
• First Recipient: P.K. Banerjee (Football).

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Dronacharya Award

• Instituted in 1985, this is India’s highest honour for coaches.
• Awarded for producing medal winners at prestigious international events.
• Named After: Dronacharya, the guru of Arjuna in Mahabharata.
• First Female Recipient: Renu Kohli (Athletics).

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Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement

• Instituted in 2002 for lifetime contributions to sports.
• First Recipients:
  • Shahuraj Birajdar (Boxing)
  • Ashok Diwan (Hockey)

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Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy

• The oldest National Sports Award was instituted in 1956–57.
• Named in honour of Shri Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister and a freedom fighter.
• First Recipient: Bombay University.

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Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar

• Instituted in 2009, it was awarded to organisations, corporations, and individuals for significant contributions to sports promotion and development over the past three years.

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Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award

• Introduced in 2004 to honour achievements in adventure sports.
• Recognizes contributions across land, water, air, and lifetime adventure categories.