Sports Ministry discontinued Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award. Arjuna Award to be replaced by Lifetime Award

The Sports Ministry on Thursday announced the discontinuance of the Dhyanchand Award for lifetime achievement from this year and the introduction of the Arjuna Award Lifetime in its place in a bid to “rationalize” various sports honors in the country. Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award, started in 2002 in the name of hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand, is given to players participating in other sports including Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

In 2023, the award was given to former shuttler Manjusha Kanwar, former hockey exponent Vineet Kumar and Kabaddi player Kavita Selvaraj.

“Various schemes for sports awards have been rationalized, including introduction of Arjuna Award (Lifetime) in place of Dhyanchand Award. To recognize the efforts of coaches at the grassroots/development level, they are now eligible for the Dronacharya Award. Are eligible.” Ministry's statement.

“Arjuna Award (Lifetime) has been instituted and will be given for lifetime contribution to sports development.

“Further, in recognition of the Khelo India Scheme, the University will be awarded the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the overall top performance in the Khelo India University Games,” it said.

The last date to apply for the 2024 National Sports Awards is November 14.