The Major Dhyan Chand Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Award is a prestigious sports award in India that recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of sports. Named after the legendary Indian field hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, the award was instituted in 2002 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
About the Major Dhyan Chand Award:
Purpose: The award aims to honor sportspersons who have made significant contributions to the promotion and development of sports in India. It recognizes not only exceptional performance but also the overall impact and influence of the awardee on the sports community.
Eligibility: The Major Dhyan Chand Award is open to sportspersons from all sports disciplines, including both individuals and teams. It is primarily meant for retired sportspersons who have made a significant impact during their sporting career.
Selection Process: The selection of awardees for the Major Dhyan Chand Award is carried out by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The committee evaluates the achievements and contributions of nominees based on various criteria such as medals won, records set, sportsmanship, impact on the sport, and contribution to the community.
Recognition and Rewards: Recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand 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.
National Sports Awards: The Major Dhyan Chand Award is one of the prestigious National Sports Awards in India, along with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and Dronacharya Award. These awards collectively aim to recognize and encourage excellence in sports and honor the contributions of athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Notable Recipients: Over the years, several renowned sportspersons have been honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Award. Some notable recipients include Balbir Singh Sr. (hockey), Syed Shahid Hakim (football), Satpal Singh (wrestling), Gundeep Kumar (hockey), and Satti Geetha (athletics), among others.
The Major Dhyan Chand Award holds great significance in Indian sports and serves as a platform to acknowledge the dedication, skill, and contribution of athletes who have made a lasting impact on the sporting landscape of the country.