In a significant move to revamp the landscape of sporting awards in India, the Sports Ministry has announced the discontinuation of the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, effective from this year onwards. The iconic award, established in 2002 and named after the legendary hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, has been replaced with the Arjuna Award Lifetime. This change, according to the ministry, is aimed at rationalizing the various sporting honors bestowed by the country.
The Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award, previously awarded to individuals across Olympic, Paralympic, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games disciplines, was last presented in 2023 to former badminton player Manjusha Kanwar, ex-hockey player Vineet Kumar, and kabaddi player Kavitha Selvaraj.
With the introduction of the Arjuna Award Lifetime, the ministry aims to not only recognize the lifetime contribution of athletes but also to streamline the awards system. The ministry statement further emphasizes the importance of grassroots development by stating, “To recognize the efforts of coaches at grassroots/development level, they are now eligible for the Dronacharya Award.”
The decision to replace the Dhyan Chand Award has been met with mixed reactions from the sporting community. While some see it as a move to simplify the award structure and ensure recognition across various sports disciplines, others express concerns about the historical significance of the Dhyan Chand Award and its impact on the legacy of the legendary athlete.
In addition to the introduction of the Arjuna Award Lifetime, the ministry has announced the establishment of the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy. This trophy will be awarded to the university that achieves the highest overall performance in the Khelo India University Games, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence at the university level.
The last date for applying for the national sports awards for 2024 is November 14. With these changes in place, the focus now shifts towards recognizing athletes and coaches who have made significant contributions to Indian sports. As the sporting landscape continues to evolve, the newly announced awards aim to provide a platform to honor the achievements of individuals who have dedicated their lives to pushing the boundaries of athletic excellence.