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| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna |
| Awarded for | Highest sporting honour in India |
| Country | India |
| Presenter | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| First awarded | 1991–92 |
| Last awarded | 2022–23 |
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is India's premier sporting award, conferred for the most outstanding performance by an athlete or team in a given year. Instituted during the administration of P. V. Narasimha Rao and later renamed in honour of Rajiv Gandhi, the award recognizes elite achievement across disciplines such as athletics, wrestling, badminton, hockey, and cricket. Recipients have included Olympians, Asian Games medalists, and world champions from institutions like the Indian Olympic Association and federations including the Badminton Association of India.
The award acknowledges individual excellence in competitive sport and has been a benchmark alongside other Indian honours such as the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna predecessor nomenclature. It is administered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in coordination with the Sports Authority of India and selections are often informed by performances at events like the Summer Olympic Games, the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships (athletics), and continental championships organized by bodies such as World Athletics and Badminton World Federation. The decoration is part of a larger ecosystem that includes national federations such as the All India Football Federation and the Wrestling Federation of India.
Originally instituted in 1991–92 as the Swarna-era sporting honour, the award was later named after Rajiv Gandhi to memorialize his policies toward youth and sport during his tenure as Prime Minister. The renaming process intersected with political administrations including those led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and the award's evolution reflects shifts in Indian sport policy overseen by ministers such as Manohar Parrikar and Anurag Thakur. Key moments include recognition of landmark performances at the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Rio Olympics, which increased public and media attention from outlets like Doordarshan and The Times of India.
Eligibility for the award requires outstanding performance by athletes registered with recognized federations such as the Indian Boxing Federation, Table Tennis Federation of India, and the National Rifle Association of India. A selection committee constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports evaluates candidates based on criteria that include results at the Olympic Games, the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, and world-level events like the World Badminton Championships and the IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The committee often includes representatives from the Indian Olympic Association, former awardees, and officials from bodies like the International Cricket Council when cricketing achievements are under consideration. Nomination procedures involve national federations, and the final decision is approved by the sports ministry and announced on platforms including Press Information Bureau releases and national ceremonies.
Recipients receive a medallion, a citation, and a monetary award sanctioned by the Ministry of Finance allocations to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The monetary component has varied over administrations and budget cycles influenced by fiscal policies debated in the Parliament of India. Awardees often gain enhanced support from the Sports Authority of India in the form of training grants, access to national camps, and opportunities at institutions such as the National Institute of Sports (Patiala) and coaching from medal-winning coaches who have been Dronacharya honorees. Additional benefits have included employment opportunities in public sector undertakings like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Railway Recruitment Boards which historically recruit sportspersons as part of welfare schemes.
Winners span a wide array of sports and include figures from Pullela Gopichand to Sachin Tendulkar, from Saina Nehwal to Mary Kom, and from Abhinav Bindra to Neeraj Chopra. Teams and individuals recognized have represented India at events organized by bodies like the International Olympic Committee, International Boxing Association, FIFA, World Archery, and International Table Tennis Federation. The list of recipients intersects with other national honours such as the Padma Shri and infrastructural beneficiaries like the Khelo India programme. Several awardees have trained at international centres including the IMG Academy and Aspire Academy and have collaborated with coaches from federations such as All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club-affiliated trainers.
The award has catalyzed greater visibility for sports like kabaddi, squash, shooting, and badminton as athletes parlay recognition into sponsorships from corporations like Indian Oil and endorsements negotiated through agencies linked to events such as the Pro Kabaddi League and Indian Super League. However, the selection process has faced scrutiny and controversy involving allegations of bias from federations such as the All India Tennis Association and disputes highlighted by media houses including The Hindu and Hindustan Times. Debates have also arisen regarding the relative weighting of performances at professional circuits like the BWF World Tour versus multi-sport events like the Asian Games, prompting reviews by parliamentary committees and interventions by figures such as the Sports Minister of India. Despite controversies, the award remains a symbol of elite sporting achievement and a focal point for policy discussions involving national federations, athlete welfare bodies, and international stakeholders like the International Olympic Committee.
Category:Indian sports trophies and awards