🏆 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: India’s Highest Sports Honour
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 🥇 is the highest sporting award in India. It is presented by the Government of India to sportspersons who have delivered exceptional and consistent performances at the international level. This prestigious award recognizes not only medals and victories but also discipline, dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Earlier, this award was called the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. In 2021, the Government of India officially renamed it as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to honour the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest sports icons India has ever produced 🇮🇳.
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🏑 Who Was Major Dhyan Chand?
Major Dhyan Chand was an extraordinary Indian hockey player known for his unmatched ball control and goal-scoring skills. He played a key role in helping India win three Olympic gold medals 🏅:
- 1928 – Amsterdam Olympics
- 1932 – Los Angeles Olympics
- 1936 – Berlin Olympics
His talent was so remarkable that people believed the hockey ball was “glued” to his stick. Naming India’s highest sports award after him is a tribute to his legendary contribution to Indian sports.
🎯 Purpose of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The award aims to:
- Encourage excellence in sports 🏃♂️
- Recognize international achievements 🌍
- Motivate young athletes 💪
- Promote sports culture in India
- Honor discipline, dedication, and consistency
It is given to athletes who have performed outstandingly for at least four consecutive years at the international level.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
A sportsperson is eligible for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award if:
- They have represented India internationally 🇮🇳
- They have excelled in major events like the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games
- They have maintained high ethical and sportsmanlike conduct
- Their achievements have brought pride to the nation
Both male and female athletes are equally eligible.
🧑⚖️ Selection Process
The award is selected by a high-level committee appointed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The committee usually includes:
- Former sportspersons
- Coaches
- Sports administrators
- Sports experts
Athletes are evaluated based on performance, medals, consistency, leadership, and impact on the sport.
🎁 What Does the Award Include?
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award consists of:
- 🏅 A medallion
- 📜 A certificate
- 💰 A cash prize of ₹25 lakh
The award is presented by the President of India during a formal ceremony in New Delhi.
🏆 List of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners
Here are some of the most famous recipients of the award:
- Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket) – 1997–98
- Leander Paes (Tennis) – 1996–97
- P. V. Sindhu (Badminton) – 2016
- Abhinav Bindra (Shooting) – 2001
- Mary Kom (Boxing) – 2016
- Virat Kohli (Cricket) – 2018
- Rohit Sharma (Cricket) – 2020
- Neeraj Chopra (Athletics – Javelin Throw) – 2021
- Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting) – 2021
- Bajrang Punia (Wrestling) – 2019
- Sania Mirza (Tennis) – 2015
- Sunil Chhetri (Football) – 2021
These athletes have made India proud on the global stage 🌍.
🌟 Importance of the Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
Inspires young athletes to dream big ✨
Promotes sports as a career option
Highlights India’s sporting achievements
Strengthens India’s image as a sporting nation
It is a symbol of national pride, excellence, and dedication.
📝 Conclusion
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the ultimate recognition of sporting excellence in India 🏆. Named after a legendary hockey player, it honors athletes who dedicate their lives to bringing glory to the nation. This award not only celebrates success but also inspires millions of young Indians to pursue sports with passion, discipline, and determination.
❓FAQs on Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Q1. What is the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award?
>The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sports award in India, given for outstanding international performance.
Q2. When was the Khel Ratna Award renamed?
>The award was renamed in 2021 from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Q3. Who was the first recipient of the Khel Ratna Award?
>Sachin Tendulkar was among the earliest and most famous recipients of the award.
Q4. What is the cash prize of the Khel Ratna Award?
>The award carries a cash prize of ₹25 lakh along with a medallion and certificate.
Q5. Who selects the Khel Ratna Award winners?
>A selection committee appointed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports selects the winners.
Q6. Is the award given every year?
>Yes, the award is usually given annually, provided suitable candidates are available.
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