Scheme for Arjuna Awards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games

Arjuna Awards honor sportspersons for outstanding international performance over the previous four years. Instituted in 1961 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the award is presented every year by the President of India to players who show excellence, leadership, discipline, and good sportsmanship.

The scheme continues to reward India's finest athletes with a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, a ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of ₹15,00,000. Sportspersons can apply directly through the National Awards Portal, and the selection is done by a committee set up by the government. As per the latest rules, the award remains open for nominations for the current sports year.

Scheme for Arjuna Awards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games - Introduction

Scheme for Arjuna Awards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games is one of India's highest sporting honors. Managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the award recognizes consistent international achievement, leadership, and strong moral character. Since 1961 it has been given to recognize the best in Indian sport, and nominations are invited regularly through the official government portal.

Key Information

Benefits

Winners of the Arjuna Award get a set of benefits along with national recognition. These are given once to a sportsperson and carry a high value in the world of Indian sports.

• Cash Award: Recipients receive ₹15,00,000 as a cash prize.
• Statuette: A commemorative bronze statuette of Arjuna is presented to every winner.
• Certificate: A formal certificate of recognition is provided by the government.
• Ceremonial Dress: A ceremonial dress is included as part of the honor.

Eligibility

Only sportspersons who meet the standards set by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports can get the award. The main points are given below.

Criteria for Sportspersons

• Candidates must show sustained high performance at the international level over the preceding four years.
• Candidates must show leadership, good sportsmanship, and high standards of discipline on and off the field.
• Achievements in major events like the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games are given top priority.
• Candidates must not have any pending inquiries or penalties related to use of banned substances under WADA or NADA rules.

Eligible Disciplines

The award is open to sportspersons from many games and disciplines, both mainstream and lesser known.

• Olympic, Asian, Commonwealth Games, World Cup, or World Championship disciplines.
• Cricket or equivalent recognized international tournaments.
• Indigenous games played and recognized at the national level.
• Sports for persons with disabilities.

Criteria for Lifetime Achievement

A lifetime version of the award, started in 2024, is given to retired sportspersons who keep contributing to sports.

• Applicants must have a strong history of international excellence.
• Applicants must show continued contribution to sports development after retirement.
• Applicants must remain free of current penalties or ongoing inquiries related to doping.

Exclusions

Arjuna Award is not given to the same person more than once. So a winner cannot apply for or receive the award a second time.

Application Process

Online Registration and Application

Sportspersons need to apply through the National Awards Portal, which handles nominations for all national awards. The process is online and steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the National Awards Portal at National Awards Portal and navigate to the registration page for applicants.

STEP 2 - Register on the portal using your mobile number and verify it with the OTP sent to your phone.

STEP 3 - Receive login credentials on your registered email address and log in.

STEP 4 - Update your profile with the required personal and sports details.

STEP 5 - Go to the schemes tab, select Arjuna Award, and submit your nomination with the required documents before the last date.

Documents

Along with the online form, applicants must upload a set of documents. These are checked before the nomination is sent for selection.

1. Proof of Date of Birth

2. Recent photograph (JPEG/PNG/JPG format, max 5 MB)

3. Digitized signature (JPEG/PNG/JPG format, max 250 KB)

4. Vigilance certificate (for government or PSU employees)

5. Proof of international achievements

6. Signed undertaking in the prescribed format

Definitions

Olympian

A sportsperson who has participated in the Olympic Games as part of an Indian contingent approved by the Government of India.

Sports Administrator

An individual involved in the management or administration of national or international sports events and organizations.

Sports Journalist/Expert

A person engaged in sports journalism, writing on sports issues, or providing expert commentary for media outlets.

References

• Official Scheme Page on Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• National Awards Portal for Online Application

FAQ's

Who is eligible for the Arjuna Award?

Sportspersons with four years of consistent international performance, showing discipline and leadership, are eligible for the award.

What is the total cash prize amount?

The award includes a cash prize of ₹15,00,000 given along with the statuette, certificate, and ceremonial dress.

Can an athlete win the award more than once?

No, the Arjuna Award is not granted to the same person a second time. It is a one-time national honor.

What determines if an athlete is disqualified due to doping?

Athletes with ongoing doping inquiries or confirmed penalties from WADA or NADA accredited laboratories are not eligible for the award.

How many awards are given annually?

Usually no more than 15 awards are given per year, and this number can be adjusted by the Ministry for major sporting years.