Sports Ministry invites applications for National Sports Awards
What's the story
The Ministry of Sports on Thursday invited applications for the National Sports Awards, allowing eligible athletes, coaches, universities, and other entities to self-nominate and apply online. This will be the second consecutive year that applicants will be nominating themselves because of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The last date for submission of the applications is June 21. Here are more details.
Awards
Self-nomination has once again been allowed
The Ministry said in a statement, "In view of the current pandemic situation, nominations for the National Sports Awards will be accepted online, this year. Last year the Sports Ministry had for the first time allowed for self-nomination of applicants due to the pandemic." "This year too, self-nomination will be allowed. National Sporting Federations will also nominate athletes for the top honors," it added.
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Seventy-four recipients received the awards last year
Till 2019, applicants needed recommendations to be able to apply but the condition was waived off last year as the COVID-19 lockdown prevented smooth movement of people. Last year, 74 recipients were bestowed with the awards.
Award recipients
Five players were jointly awarded Khel Ratna award in 2020
The prize money was also increased significantly with the Khel Ratna awardees receiving Rs. 25 lakh, Arjuna awardees Rs. 15 lakh, Dhronacharya (Lifetime) Rs. 15 lakh, and Dhyanchand winners Rs. 10 lakh. In an unprecedented move, cricketer Rohit Sharma, women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Paralympian Mariyappan Thangavelu, and TT player Manika Batra were jointly awarded the Khel Ratna last year.
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A 12-member committee was constituted last year
Reportedly, in July last year, a 12-member committee was constituted for the selection of the winners of the National Sports Awards. Supreme Court Justice (Retd) Mukundakam Sharma had been appointed by the ministry as the Chairman of the Committee.