State Level Sports Awards

State Level Sports Awards supports outstanding athletes and coaches from Uttarakhand by honoring their national and international achievements with cash prizes under the Khel Ratna, Himalaya Ratna, and Dronacharya Awards. Department of Sports, Government of Uttarakhand has invited applications for the year 2025 state sports awards, with 24 July 2026 as the last date to submit the form.

This scheme recognizes players and mentors who bring glory to the region through strong performances at national and international sports events. Along with the three main awards, the state has now added a Lifetime Achievement Award for coaches who have shaped top players over the years. Sports Minister Rekha Arya appealed to eligible players and coaches to apply within the given time.

State Level Sports Awards - Introduction

State Level Sports Awards honors the dedication and hard work of local athletes and coaches. The scheme rewards players and mentors who bring pride to Uttarakhand through exceptional performances in national and international competitions. Department of Sports, Government of Uttarakhand runs these awards every year to encourage sporting excellence across the state.

For the 2025 awards, the department has invited applications from permanent residents of Uttarakhand. Players and coaches can apply for the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award, Himalaya Ratna Sports Award, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Dronacharya Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. Applications must reach the office of the Director of Sports by 24 July 2026.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides financial support to high performing sportspersons and coaches. The government distributes these awards every year to celebrate real talent. The cash prizes for the main awards are given below.

Khel Ratna and Himalaya Ratna awards are given on the basis of achievements during the calendar year 2025. For these awards, a player must have represented Uttarakhand in national competitions. Players who were part of the Indian team in international events must also have represented Uttarakhand before selection.

Eligibility

To qualify for these awards, a candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Candidate should be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand with a valid permanent or original residence certificate.
• Player should have a proven record of success in national or international sports championships and must have represented Uttarakhand in national competitions.
• Coach should hold a recognized diploma or certificate course from a sports institute and be certified by the related national sports federation.

Only achievements in events like the Olympics, World Cup, World Championship, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Afro-Asian Games, Asian, Commonwealth and Afro-Asian Championships, SAF Games, and National Games are recognized for these awards.

Application Process

Department of Sports invites applications once a year. For the 2025 awards, the department has asked eligible players and coaches to submit their applications in the prescribed format. Applications need to be submitted offline at the office of the Director of Sports, Dehradun.

STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the official sports department portal at sports.uk.gov.in and fill in the required personal and sports details.

STEP 2 - Gather the required documents including academic and sports certificates, Uttarakhand permanent residence certificate, and the recommendation of the related state sports federation.

STEP 3 - Coaches must also attach a notarized affidavit on a ₹10 stamp paper confirming that the player has taken at least 180 days of training under them.

STEP 4 - Submit a sworn affidavit on a notarized ₹10 stamp paper stating that the candidate has never used doping and has not been convicted in any criminal or sexual harassment case.

STEP 5 - Submit the complete application along with the documents at the office of the Director of Sports before the last date. Applications received after 24 July 2026 will not be considered.

Documents

Applicants should gather the following documents while preparing the application:

• Academic and sports certificates as proof of achievements.
• Original or permanent residence certificate of Uttarakhand.
• Recommendation letter from the related state sports federation.
• Notarized affidavit on ₹10 stamp paper for no doping and no criminal or sexual harassment conviction.

If any wrong facts are found in the application, the award amount will be recovered and legal action may be taken as per the rules.

References

Official Sports Department Portal, Uttarakhand

FAQ's

Who is eligible for the awards?

Players and coaches from Uttarakhand who have achieved strong success at national or international sporting events and are permanent residents of the state are eligible to apply.

How often are the awards given?

The government presents these awards once a year after a detailed review of the applications.

What is the amount for the Khel Ratna award?

The selected player receives a cash prize of ₹5.00 lakh.

What is the benefit under the Himalaya Ratna award?

Each of the six selected Himalaya Ratna awardees receives ₹1.00 lakh.

How much is the Dronacharya award?

Each of the two selected coaches receives ₹3.00 lakh.

What is the last date to apply for the 2025 awards?

Applications for the year 2025 state sports awards were accepted till 24 July 2026 at the office of the Director of Sports.

What is the selection process?

A specialized committee reviews all applications, checks the achievements, and makes sure the candidate meets the official scheme standards before final selection.