Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2021 - Testbook.com

On November 13, 2021, the President of India bestowed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, upon 12 remarkable athletes. These individuals were chosen for their exceptional contributions to their respective sports over the last four years. The award ceremony took place at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

The National Sports Awards, including the Khel Ratna, are announced annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate athletic excellence in the country.

In recent years, sports has become a more prominent topic in the Civil Service Preliminary Examination, conducted by the UPSC. Recognizing this trend, we have assembled a detailed analysis of the Khel Ratna Award, including a list of recipients from the past five years.

This article also covers other important aspects related to the award, in alignment with the demands of both the preliminary and main stages of the IAS Exam.

Objective of the Award

• The award is meant to honor a sportsperson's extraordinary performance in their respective field of sports.
• The evaluation period for the award spans four years, leading up to the year in which the award is presented.
• In years when the Olympic Games, Commonwealth and Asian Games take place, the achievements of athletes up until the conclusion of these events are also taken into consideration.

Eligibility Criteria

• Athletes must have demonstrated exceptional performance in the Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth/World Games/Championships/World Cup or equivalent recognized international tournaments over the past four years.
• Achievements in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth and Asian Games, and other tournaments that conclude during these major events may also be considered.
• Athletes who are penalized or under investigation for the use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) are not eligible for the award.

Nominations

Nominations can be forwarded by the following authorized signatories:

• Indian Olympic Association – President/Secretary-General.
• National Sports Federations – President/Secretary-General.
• In the case of Cricket, as there is no recognized federation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, nominations must be sent by the President/ Secretary-General of the Board for Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
• State/UT Governments/ Sports Control/Promotion Boards – An officer of not less than the rank of Secretary or Director (Sports) of the organization after receiving due approval of the competent authority.

Further reading:

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2021

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2020

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2019

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2018

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2017

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2016

In Conclusion

The Khel Ratna award serves to appreciate the exceptional talent, commitment, and dedication of athletes. These award winners inspire the youth with their tenacity, resilience, and unwavering determination. They serve as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversities.

As a nation, it is imperative that we invest in infrastructure to develop a strong sports culture, encourage participation, and promote physical activity for the holistic growth of our youth. Sports can play a key role in nation-building by imparting values and helping individuals realize their potential, thereby enabling the country to leverage its human capital.

This article is useful for those preparing for the UPSC Syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main Stages of the Civil Services Exam.

Related Links: