Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award stands as the pinnacle of sporting recognition in India. Formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, it is bestowed annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to honor exceptional accomplishments in sports. Recipients of this esteemed award are granted a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh, along with a medal and certificate. Named after Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary figure in Indian hockey history, the award commemorates his unparalleled contributions to the sport. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes who consistently excel on the global stage, bringing glory to the nation. Through this recognition, the tireless dedication and hard work of the awardees are celebrated, providing motivation for aspiring athletes to strive for excellence in their sporting endeavors.

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is rooted in India's quest for sporting excellence on the global stage. In the early 1990s, there was a growing recognition of the need to honor and incentivize Indian athletes who were excelling in their respective sports disciplines. Established in 1991–1992, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, now known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, initially recognized outstanding sports performances within a single year. However, in February 2015, the criteria were revised to assess performances over a span of four years, following suggestions from the 2014 award selection committee. Nominations are accepted until April 30th each year, with a maximum of two sportspersons per discipline. A twelve-member committee evaluates performances at major international events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Paralympics. Renamed in honor of Major Dhyan Chand in 2021, the award has seen 59 recipients across sixteen sport disciplines as of 2023, including notable athletes like Viswanathan Anand and Abhinav Bindra, who became the youngest recipient in 2001 at the age of 18. Though typically awarded to one sportsperson per year, exceptions were made in certain years to honor multiple recipients.

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award until 2021, stands as India's top honor in sports. Established in 1992, it is bestowed annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. This award recognizes exceptional achievements by Indian athletes on the global stage. The award includes a medal, certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh. Presented by the President of India, it acknowledges outstanding performances in sports over a period of four years. Renamed in tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, the National Sports Day is observed every year across India on 29th August to mark the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, born on 29th August 1905.

Eligibility Criteria: Over the years, the eligibility criteria for the award have evolved to ensure that recipients truly embody sporting excellence. Key criteria include exceptional international performance over four years, clean anti-doping records, and consideration of accomplishments in major competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Objectives of the Award: The Khel Ratna Award serves multiple important objectives within the realm of Indian sports. It aims to recognize and honor sporting excellence, motivate athletes to strive for greatness, inspire future generations, promote sports diversity, and instil national pride through exceptional achievements on the global stage.

• Nominations are accepted from various bodies such as National Sports Federations, Indian Olympic Association, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and state governments.
• Each discipline can have up to two nominees, except cricket where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provides nominations.
• Previous award recipients can also nominate one sportsperson.
• The Government can nominate up to two sportspersons if no nominations are received from the nominating authorities.
• Nominations are accepted until April 30th or the last working day of April.

• Nominations are verified by SAI and the National Anti-Doping Agency.
• Sportspersons with doping issues are ineligible.
• A committee comprising government officials, Olympians, sports journalists, and experts validate the nominations.
• The committee includes representatives from various disciplines, ensuring diversity.
• The criteria were revised in 2015 to consider performance over four years.
• Weightage is given to medals won in major international events like Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
• Other factors like profile and standard of events are also considered.
• Points are awarded based on medal wins and team strength.
• Recommendations are submitted to the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports for approval.

The first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand in 1991-1992. Since then, the award has honored exceptional athletes like shooter Abhinav Bindra, showcasing diverse sporting excellence across various disciplines.

• Badminton players Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2023.
• Cricketer Mohammed Shami received the Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor.

• Sharath Kamal – Table Tennis

Khel Ratna 2021: Twelve athletes were awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2021, India's highest sporting honor at the time.
The award winners come from a variety of sports disciplines.

• Neeraj Chopra (Athletics)
• Ravi Kumar (Wrestling)
• Sreejesh P.R (Hockey)
• Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
• Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting)
• Pramod Bhagat (Para-Badminton)
• Sumit Anti (Para Athletics)
• Manish Narwal. (Para Shooting)
• Krishna Naga. (Para-Badminton)
• Mithali Raj. (Cricket)
• Manpreet Singh. (Hockey)
• Sunil Chhetri. (Football)

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, formerly recognized as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, stands as a testament to India's celebration of sporting excellence. While it predominantly honors achievements in famous games and renowned names, its scope often overlooks emerging talent and grassroots contributions in lesser-known sports. As the nation continues to evolve its sporting policies, there's an opportunity to diversify the award's focus, nurturing young talent across a broader spectrum of sports. By incorporating a more inclusive approach that values both mainstream success and grassroots efforts, the award can truly reflect the multifaceted nature of India's sporting landscape and inspire a new generation of athletes across all disciplines.