Sports Ministry discontinued the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award.
In an effort to “rationalise” the nation’s numerous sporting accolades, the sports ministry stated on October 24 that the discontinuation of the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement from this year onwards and the introduction of the Arjuna Award (Lifetime).
Arjuna Award (Lifetime) will be given for lifetime contribution towards sports development.
Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award was instituted in 2002, named after Hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand.
This award is given to individuals who have participated in Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games etc.
Dronacharya Award will be given to recognize the efforts of coaches at the grassroots/development level.
Additionally, in recognition of the Khelo India Scheme, the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy will be awarded to the University for overall top performance in the Khelo India University Games.
In 2023, Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award was given to former shuttler Manjusha Kanwar, former hockey exponent Vinit Kumar and Kabaddi player Kavitha Selvaraj.
