In News:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports recently announced the National Sports Awards 2025, India’s premier awards recognising outstanding achievements and contributions in sports.

The National Sports Awards are conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to recognise excellence by sportspersons, coaches and organisations involved in the promotion and development of sports.

Major Awards under the National Sports Awards:

• Arjuna Award: Given to sportspersons for consistent good performance over the previous four years, along with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime): Recognises sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their sporting performance and continue contributing to the promotion of sports after retirement from active competition.
• Dronacharya Award: Conferred on coaches for outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sportspersons to achieve excellence in international sporting events.
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Given to corporate entities (public/private) and NGOs that have played a visible role in the promotion and development of sports.