National Sports Awards: National Sports Awards are awarded every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports in India. These awards include: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Dronacharya Award, Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: India’s highest sporting award given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of 4 years. This year’s recipients are: Devendra (Para Athletics) and Sardar Singh (Hockey).
Dronacharya Award: Bestowed upon coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events. This year’s awardees include Dr. R. Gandhi in Athletics, Heera Nand Kataria in Kabaddi among others.
Arjuna Award: Second highest sporting award bestowed upon sportsperson for consistently outstanding performance for 4 years.
Dhyan Chand Award: Bestowed upon sportspersons for his life time contribution to sports development. This year’s awardees are Bhupender Singh in Athletics, Syed Shahid Hakin in Football and Sumarai Tete in Hockey.