Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Introduction: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honour of India, named after the hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. The aim is to recognize the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years.
Ministry/Agency: The award is conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Objectives: The objective of the award is to recognize the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years immediately preceding the year during which the award is to be given.
Benefits: The award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25,00,000 exempt from Income Tax and Wealth Tax in the year in which it is disbursed.
Eligibility: The award is given to sportspersons who have shown excellent performance at international events like Olympic/Asian/ Commonwealth/World Games/Championships/World Cup and equivalent recognized international tournaments. Sportspersons who have been penalized or against whom enquiry is pending/ongoing for use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) are not eligible for the award. No award will be made for a second time to the same person.
Implementation Strategy: All recognized National Sports Federations (NSFs) recognized by the Government of India, Indian Olympic Association and State/UT Governments can nominate up to a maximum of two sportspersons in a particular discipline/sport in a particular year. The authorized signatory for sending nominations will be the President/Secretary General of the respective organization.
