The Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award is one of the most prestigious sports awards in India. It is named after Arjuna, a legendary figure from the Indian epic Mahabharata, who was known for his exceptional archery skills. The award was instituted in 1961 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in sports.
About the Arjuna Award:
Purpose: The Arjuna Award is bestowed upon sportspersons in India for their outstanding performance and achievements in their respective sports disciplines. It aims to encourage excellence in sports and recognize the dedication, talent, and hard work of athletes.
Eligibility: The Arjuna Award is open to both individuals and teams across all recognized sports disciplines. To be eligible for the award, sportspersons must have consistently performed well at the international level and made significant contributions to the sport over the past four years.
Selection Process: The selection of awardees for the Arjuna Award is carried out by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The committee considers various factors such as sporting performance, medals won, records set, consistency, sportsmanship, and overall impact on the sport while evaluating the nominees.
Recognition and Rewards: Recipients of the Arjuna Award are honored with a statuette, a certificate, and a cash prize. The cash prize amount has varied over the years and is determined by the government. The award serves as a symbol of national recognition for the athlete’s achievements.
National Sports Awards: The Arjuna Award is one of the prestigious National Sports Awards in India, along with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Major Dhyan Chand Award, and Dronacharya Award. These awards collectively aim to promote sports excellence and honor the contributions of athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Notable Recipients: Over the years, numerous eminent sportspersons from various sports disciplines have received the Arjuna Award. Some notable recipients include Sachin Tendulkar (cricket), Saina Nehwal (badminton), Abhinav Bindra (shooting), Mary Kom (boxing), P.V. Sindhu (badminton), and Virat Kohli (cricket), among many others.
The Arjuna Award holds great significance in Indian sports and serves as a prestigious honor for athletes who have made a mark in their respective sports. It plays a vital role in promoting sports and inspiring future generations of athletes in the country.
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