The Indian sports ministry has announced a significant change in its awards system by discontinuing the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement and replacing it with the Arjuna Award Lifetime. This decision, aimed at “rationalising” the country’s various sporting honours, was made public on Thursday. The move marks a new chapter in how India honours its sports achievers for their lifelong contributions.
Dhyan Chand Award Lifetime retired
The Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, has been a prestigious honour in Indian sports since its inception in 2002. It recognised lifetime contributions in disciplines like the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
In its final year, 2023, the Dhyan Chand Award was presented to former badminton player Manjusha Kanwar, hockey star Vineet Kumar, and kabaddi player Kavitha Selvaraj for their significant achievements in their respective sports.
New Arjuna Award Lifetime
To streamline the awards system, the sports ministry has introduced the Arjuna Award Lifetime to replace the Dhyan Chand Award. According to an official ministry statement, the Arjuna Award Lifetime will now be given to individuals for their lifetime contributions to sports development.
This restructuring is part of a broader effort to simplify and enhance the recognition of sports figures in India, ensuring that achievements at both the grassroots and development levels are acknowledged.
Dronacharya Award
As part of this rationalisation, the Dronacharya Award will now also recognise coaches working at the grassroots and developmental levels, further emphasising the government’s focus on nurturing sports from the ground up.
MAKA Trophy for Khelo India Success
In addition, the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy will be awarded to the university with the best overall performance in the Khelo India University Games, reflecting the growing importance of the Khelo India scheme in fostering young talent across the country.
With these new measures in place, the sports ministry is aiming to modernise and refocus its awards programme, ensuring that contributions at all levels are celebrated appropriately. The deadline for applying for the 2024 National Sports Awards is set for November 14.
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