Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar is a national sports award given by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to corporates, NGOs and sports control boards for their role in sports promotion and development in India. Instituted in 2009, this award is presented every year and the ministry invites fresh nominations for each cycle through the official online portal.
The award recognises the work done by organisations to find and train young talent, support sports through corporate social responsibility, give jobs to sportspersons and use sports for community development. There are four categories under the scheme and one award is given in each category every year.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar - Introduction
Department of Sports under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports runs this award. Any corporate entity, public or private, along with sports control boards and non-governmental organisations that has shown a visible role in sports promotion can be considered for the award. The four categories are:
- Identification and nurturing of budding or young talent.
- Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
- Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures.
- Sports for development.
Nominations are invited from recognised national sports federations, Indian Olympic Association, industry chambers, state governments, Sports Authority of India and various sports control boards. Eligible organisations can also apply directly to the government.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar |
| Launched In | 2009 |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Nodal Department | Department of Sports |
| Eligible Entities | Corporates, NGOs, Sports Control Boards |
| Award Type | Citation and Trophy (no cash) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | dbtyas-sports.gov.in |
Benefits
Winners of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar receive a citation and a trophy. The award does not include any cash component. Only one award is presented per category every year.
The awards are given at a ceremony organised by the Government, usually at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The award is in addition to any other honours the entity may have received for similar work.
Eligibility
Any corporate entity, public or private, sports control board and non-governmental organisation that has played a visible role in sports promotion and development can apply for this award. Specific criteria apply for each category:
Identification and nurturing of talent: The entity should have identified and nurtured at least 50 young sportspersons each year during the last three years.
Encouragement through CSR: The entity should have contributed a minimum of 5% of gross profit or at least ₹2 crores in the preceding three financial years towards sports promotion. Only non-commercial CSR outlays count towards this contribution.
Employment and welfare: The entity should have recruited at least 50 sportspersons during the last three years.
Sports for development: Only NGOs that have been working for sports promotion and development for at least the last three years can apply.
Exclusions
Sports departments of state governments and the Central Government are not eligible for this award, as sports promotion is their mandated function.
Application Process
Applications for Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar are invited every year by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Nominations have to be submitted online through the official portal at dbtyas-sports.gov.in. For the 2025 cycle, nominations were open from 29 September 2025 to 4 November 2025, and a fresh cycle is announced each year.
STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at Department of Sports portal and register by providing organisation details and verifying the mobile number through OTP.
STEP 2 - Log in using the credentials received on the registered email address.
STEP 3 - Update the profile with the required organisational details.
STEP 4 - Go to the schemes section, select Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar and fill in the application form with the category you are applying for.
STEP 5 - Upload the required documents and submit the application before the last date.
For technical support, contact the Department of Sports at section.sp4-moyas@gov.in or call 011-23387432 during working hours (9:00 am to 5:30 pm).
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Audited financial statements for the last three years.
- Memorandum of Association, rules, regulations and bye-laws for NGOs.
- Documents indicating the source of funds.
- Proof of employment of sportspersons or sports development records as required by the specific category.
References
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports - Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
- Official Award Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
When was Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar instituted?
The award was instituted in 2009 by Department of Sports.
Are there any cash prizes given?
No, the award consists only of a citation and a trophy. There is no cash component.
How many awards are given every year?
One award is given per category every year, so a total of four awards across the four categories.
Can an organisation apply if it has received other awards?
Yes, this award is given in addition to any other accolades the entity may have received for similar achievements.
How can an organisation apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal at dbtyas-sports.gov.in.