Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to sports by athletes and sportspersons. Instituted in 1991-92, the award was originally known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in memory of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. Later, in 2021, the name of the award was changed to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, in honor of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian hockey player.

Objectives and Significance:

• Recognition of Sporting Excellence: The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award honors athletes who have consistently performed at the highest level in their respective sports, both nationally and internationally.
• Encouragement of Sportsmanship: By recognizing exceptional athletes, the award aims to promote sportsmanship, dedication, and fair play among aspiring athletes.
• Promotion of Sports Culture: The award celebrates the achievements of athletes and promotes a culture of sports and physical fitness in India, inspiring individuals to pursue sports as a means of personal development and national pride.

Criteria and Eligibility:

• Eligible candidates for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award must be Indian sportspersons who have achieved outstanding results in their respective sports disciplines at the international level.
• Athletes must have consistently performed at a high level over the previous four years and have brought glory to the nation through their sporting achievements.
• The award is typically given to athletes who have won medals or achieved significant success in prestigious international competitions, such as the Olympics, World Championships, or Asian Games.

Selection Process:

• The selection process for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is overseen by a committee appointed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
• The committee evaluates the performance and achievements of eligible athletes based on established criteria, including medals won in international competitions, world rankings, and records set.
• The final selection is made based on consensus among committee members, taking into account the recommendations of national sports federations, coaches, and other stakeholders.

Awards and Honors:

• Recipients of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award receive a cash prize, a medal, and a citation in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements.
• The award ceremony is typically held annually on National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29th, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.

Notable Recipients:

• The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has been conferred upon numerous esteemed athletes from various sports disciplines, including:
  • Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket)
  • Vishwanathan Anand (Chess)
  • Abhinav Bindra (Shooting)
  • Mary Kom (Boxing)
  • P.V. Sindhu (Badminton)
  • Virat Kohli (Cricket)
  • Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)

Impact and Legacy:

• The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award celebrates the achievements of India’s finest athletes and inspires future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
• It serves as a reminder of the importance of sports in promoting national unity, pride, and well-being, as well as the role of athletes as ambassadors of the country on the international stage.
• The award contributes to raising awareness about the value of sports and physical fitness in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle, thereby promoting the overall development and progress of society.