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From Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to Neeraj Chopra and Gukesh, discover India's highest sporting honour, who receives it, and why it is every athlete's biggest dream.
What Is The Khel Ratna Award?
The Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sporting honour. Thus, it’s not just a symbol of success but also shows a sports person’s hard work, discipline, and consistency. A sports person is awarded with Khel Ratna Award who delivers exceptional performance at the international level and makes the country proud.
Earlier, the award was known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. In 2021, the Government Of India renamed it as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to honour the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Who Gives Khel Ratna Award?
Khel Ratna or The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given by the Government Of India, through the Ministry Of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The achievements of an athlete is reviewed by a selection committee and they recommend the final name. Then the award is presented at the official ceremony.
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Eligibility Criteria For Khel Ratna Award
The award is given for exceptional and remarkable achievements in sports during the last four years. It typically relies on accomplishments in significant global competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and World Cups.
Athletes currently involved in active anti-doping investigations are excluded. Nevertheless, individuals who have fulfilled their suspension or penalty term might be eligible again, based on the regulations.
What Are The Benefits & Allowances Come With Khel Ratna?
It includes one-time prize money (not a monthly allowance or pension). The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award consists of a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh, a certificate of appreciation, and a medal.
In certain government documents, support for travel and ceremonies might be noted, but the recognized and standard benefit consists of the monetary award, medal, and certificate.
Also Read: Bharat Ratna Winners List, Eligibility, Price & Benefits Guide
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners
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Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners |
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Year |
Recipient |
Sport |
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1991-92 |
Viswanathan Anand |
Chess |
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1992-93 |
Geet Sethi |
Billiards |
|
1993-94 |
Homi Motivala |
Yachting |
|
1993-94 |
P. K. Garg |
Yachting |
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1994-95 |
Karnam Malleswari |
Weightlifting |
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1995-96 |
N. Kunjarani |
Weightlifting |
|
1996-97 |
Leander Paes |
Tennis |
|
1997-98 |
Sachin Tendulkar |
Cricket |
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1998-99 |
Jyotirmoyee Sikdar |
Athletics |
|
1999-00 |
Dhanraj Pillay |
Hockey |
|
2000-01 |
Pullela Gopichand |
Badminton |
|
2001 |
Abhinav Bindra |
Shooting |
|
2002 |
Anjali Ved Pathak |
Shooting |
|
2002 |
K. M. Beenamol |
Athletics |
|
2003 |
Anju Bobby George |
Athletics |
|
2004 |
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore |
Shooting |
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2005 |
Pankaj Advani |
Billiards and Snooker |
|
2006 |
Manavjit Singh Sandhu |
Shooting |
|
2007 |
Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
Cricket |
|
2009 |
Mary Kom |
Boxing |
|
2009 |
Vijender Singh |
Boxing |
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2009 |
Sushil Kumar |
Wrestling |
|
2010 |
Saina Nehwal |
Badminton |
|
2011 |
Gagan Narang |
Shooting |
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2012 |
Vijay Kumar |
Shooting |
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2013 |
Yogeshwar Dutt |
Wrestling |
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2014 |
Jitu Rai |
Shooting |
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2015 |
Sania Mirza |
Tennis |
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2016 |
Dipa Karmakar |
Gymnastics |
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2017 |
Devendra Jhajharia |
Javelin Throw |
|
2018 |
Virat Kohli |
Cricket |
|
2018 |
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu |
Weightlifting |
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2019 |
Deepa Malik |
Para-athletics |
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2020 |
Rohit Sharma |
Cricket |
|
2020 |
Vinesh Phogat |
Wrestling |
|
2020 |
Manika Batra |
Table Tennis |
|
2020 |
Rani Rampal |
Hockey |
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2021 |
Neeraj Chopra |
Athletics |
|
2021 |
Ravi Kumar Dahiya |
Wrestling |
|
2021 |
Lovlina Borgohain |
Boxing |
|
2021 |
P. R. Sreejesh |
Hockey |
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2024 |
Gukesh Dommaraju |
Chess |
|
2024 |
Harmanpreet Singh |
Hockey |
|
2024 |
Praveen Kumar |
Para-athletics |
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2024 |
Manu Bhaker |
Shooting |
The recognition is not confined to a single sport. Cricketers, hockey athletes, shooters, chess competitors, and para-athletes have all received this recognition.
The Khel Ratna Award celebrates India's finest athletes for their outstanding international achievements. It remains the country's highest sporting honour and a symbol of excellence, dedication, and national pride.
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