List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2021

Recently, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (Erstwhile, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award) 2021 was given to 12 sportspersons, for their spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports, over a period of the previous four years. Noted sportspersons from different categories, Olympians, Paralympians were honoured by the President of India at a specially organized function at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan (Delhi) on 13th November 2021.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announces the National Sports Awards. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports.

The UPSC has in the recently conducted Civil Service Preliminary Examination, 2021 asked three questions from sports, which has been hitherto an uncharted territory in the post-2011 reforms era.

Keeping in view the importance of such a crucial event, we shall be discussing various aspects of the award, including a list of the winners for the past five years.

Further, this article covers other important aspects, keeping in mind the demands of the preliminary as well as the main examination of the UPSC IAS Exam.

What is its Objective?

• The objective of the award is to recognize the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson.
•  The performance over a  period of four years immediately preceding the year during which the award is to be given is taken into account.
• During the years when Olympic Games, Commonwealth and Asian Games are held, achievements of the sportspersons up to the conclusion of these Games will also be considered.

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

• Outstanding performance in Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth/World Games/Championships/World Cup and equivalent recognized international tournaments in the past four years.
• During the years when Olympic Games, Commonwealth and Asian Games are held, the achievements of the sportspersons in these Games and other tournaments up to the conclusion of the Olympic Games/Commonwealth Games/Asian Games, may be considered.
• Sportspersons penalized or against whom the inquiry is pending/ongoing for use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) are not eligible for the award.

Who can Forward Nominations?

The authorized signatory for sending nominations are as follows:

• Indian Olympic Association – President/Secretary-General.
• National Sports Federations – President/Secretary-General. 
• In the case of Cricket, there is no federation recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Nominations for cricket will need to 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.

Also read:

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2021

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2020

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2019

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2018

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2017

List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners 2016

Conclusion

 The Khel Ratna award given every year recognizes the outstanding talent, contribution and dedication of a sportsperson, who could be a role model for the youth. They also inspire generations with their spirit, grit and determination, reflecting the triumph of the human spirit over all odds, to stay afloat, to find meaning to go ahead in life despite all adversities. They strive towards excellence with an effervescent smile on their face. 

The need of the hour for us as a nation is to develop infrastructure in order to ingrain a sports culture, encourage participation, sports and outdoor activities for the healthy growth of the younger generation. Sports will certainly help in nation-building by contributing on various fronts. It inculcates in citizens the values, helping them realize their potentials, which in turn will help the country leverage its human capital.

This article is relevant for the sections of the Current Affairs part of the UPSC Syllabus prescribed for the Preliminary and Main Stages of Civil Services Exam. 

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