Prelims: Current events of national and international relations | Sports
Why in news?
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports recently announced National Sports Awards 2025.
Frequency – Every year.
Objective – To recognize and reward excellence in sports.
Instituted by – Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
6 categories –
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award(Instituted in 1991–1992) – India's highest sporting honor.
Given for spectacular and most outstanding performance over the previous 4 years.
Arjuna Award (1961) – The second-highest national sporting honor.
Given for consistent good performance, leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline over four years.
Arjuna Award (Lifetime) - sub-category – Honors retired players who still help promote sports.
Dronacharya Award(1985) – Honors elite coaches for producing medal winners at major international sports events.
Divided into regular and lifetime achievement categories.
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement – Celebrates sportspersons who contributed to sports through promotion after active retirement.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar – Awarded to corporate entities, non-governmental organizations for playing a visible role in sports promotion and development.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy – Rotating trophy presented to the top-performing overall university in inter-university tournaments over the preceding year.
National Sports Awards 2025 –
No mentions for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Sporting Excellence, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy for universities.
17 athletes received the Arjuna Award.
Veteran footballer Isaiah Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime).
