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| Arjuna Award | |
|---|---|
| Name | Arjuna Award |
| Country | India |
| Presented by | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Established | 1961 |
| Reward | Cash prize, bronze statuette, certificate |
| Eligibility | Outstanding sportspersons |
Arjuna Award The Arjuna Award is a national sporting honour instituted in 1961 to recognise outstanding performance in sports by Indian athletes. It is administered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and conferred annually alongside other honours such as the Dhyan Chand Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. Recipients include competitors from disciplines represented at events like the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
The award was established in 1961 during the tenure of the Indian National Congress government led by Jawaharlal Nehru's successors to promote excellence after landmark performances at international meets such as the 1951 Asian Games and the 1958 Asian Games. Early recipients emerged from sports with institutional backing from bodies like the Indian Olympic Association and federations such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India, All India Football Federation, and the Athletics Federation of India. Over decades the scheme evolved through policy interventions by the Department of Sports and advisory committees influenced by incidents involving the Commonwealth Games 2010 and governance reforms advocated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Eligibility criteria have been framed by notifications from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and incorporate performance at internationally sanctioned events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships (individual sports), and continental championships overseen by bodies like the International Olympic Committee. Consideration includes consistency over a four-year period and displays of qualities akin to those valued by federations such as the Badminton Association of India, Hockey India, and the Table Tennis Federation of India. The award excludes individuals under certain disciplinary actions from organizations like the National Anti-Doping Agency (India) and takes into account results recognized by the Sports Authority of India.
Nominations are invited from recognized units including the Indian Olympic Association, national sports federations such as the Athletics Federation of India and Swimming Federation of India, and state governments. A selection committee constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports—often chaired by former athletes associated with institutions like the Sports Authority of India or administrators from the Indian Olympic Association—evaluates dossiers documenting achievements at events including the Asian Championships and World Cups. Shortlisted candidates undergo scrutiny for compliance with rules from agencies like the National Anti-Doping Agency (India) and may be vetted against databases maintained by federations such as the Boxing Federation of India.
Recipients receive a bronze statuette, a scroll of honour, and a cash component as prescribed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Awardees often gain support from schemes run by the Sports Authority of India, training access at centres such as the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports and career opportunities through employers including the Indian Railways, Indian Army, and public sector units like the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. The accolade can enhance prospects for selection to government schemes, endorsements mediated by federations like the Cricket Association of Bengal or clubs such as Mohun Bagan Athletic Club.
Prominent awardees span multiple disciplines and include athletes associated with landmark victories at events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Examples encompass individuals linked to federations and institutions: players from Board of Control for Cricket in India-affiliated teams, medallists at the Asian Games in athletics and wrestling under the Wrestling Federation of India, and shooters who later succeeded at the ISSF World Championships. Recipients have included personalities who later assumed roles in administration within bodies such as the Indian Olympic Association or coaching positions at the Sports Authority of India.
The award has faced disputes tied to selection transparency, alleged lobbying by federations like the All India Football Federation and concerns raised after large multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games 2010. Critics have pointed to perceived regional bias involving state associations and employment-linked pressures from organisations such as the Indian Railways and Defense Sports Control Board. Debates have involved recommendations from panels formed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and calls for stricter compliance with norms set by the National Anti-Doping Agency (India) and independent oversight by the Central Vigilance Commission.
The award has influenced career trajectories of athletes across disciplines governed by federations like the Badminton Association of India, Hockey India, and the Athletics Federation of India and helped elevate profiles ahead of participation in events such as the Olympic Games and Asian Games. It has contributed to institutional recognition by bodies such as the Sports Authority of India and encouraged corporate sponsorships from entities like the State Bank of India and public enterprises. Over time the accolade has become a marker cited in biographies, honours lists, and institutional records maintained by organisations such as the Indian Olympic Association and national federations.
Category:Indian sports trophies and awards