Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2025. The awards recognise outstanding performance and contribution to sports in India.

About the Award

• Arjuna Award: It is given for good sporting performance over the previous four years, along with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime): It recognises sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their sporting performance and continue to contribute to the promotion of sports after retirement.
• Dronacharya Award: It is given to coaches for outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sportspersons to excel in international events.
• Dronacharya Award (Lifetime): It recognises coaches for their long-term contribution to the development of sports and athletes.
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: It is given to corporate entities and non-governmental organisations that have played a visible role in the promotion and development of sports.
• The awards were selected on the recommendations of a committee chaired by Justice (Retired) Arun Kumar Mishra, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
  • The applications were invited through a dedicated online portal, allowing eligible sportspersons, coaches and entities to self-apply.

Prelims Pointers

• Arjuna Award → Sportspersons
• Dronacharya Award → Coaches
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar → Sports promotion and development
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime) → Retired/active sportspersons with continued contribution to sports