Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna: What It Is and Why It Matters
If you follow Indian sports, you’ve probably heard the name "Khel Ratna" tossed around during award ceremonies. It’s the highest sporting honor the country can give to an athlete, named after legendary hockey star Major Dhyan Chand. In simple terms, it celebrates people who have taken India’s game to the next level.
How the Award Came About
The Khel Ratna was launched in 1991 as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. In 2021 the government renamed it after Dhyan Chand, a nod to his impact on Indian hockey and national pride. The award is given each year by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, based on a panel’s recommendation.
Who Can Win It?
To be eligible, an athlete must have delivered outstanding performance at the international level over the last four years. That means winning medals at events like the Olympics, World Championships or Asian Games. The panel looks for consistency, not just a one‑off victory. Team sports count too—if a squad wins gold, each member can get the award.
Past winners include big names like PV Sindhu (badminton), Neeraj Chopra (javelin), and Mary Kom (boxing). Their stories show how the Khel Ratna can boost an athlete’s career, opening doors to sponsorships, better training facilities, and a platform to inspire younger talent.
Beyond the trophy itself—a gold medallion with Dhyan Chand’s likeness—the award comes with a cash prize of ₹7.5 million (about $90,000). The money helps athletes invest in coaching, equipment or medical care, which is often hard to afford on a regular sports salary.
One practical tip for aspiring winners: keep track of your international results and maintain a detailed performance log. When the selection committee reviews candidates, they need clear evidence of achievements, rankings and any records broken.
The Khel Ratna also shines a light on lesser‑known sports. For example, shooters like Abhinav Bindra and wrestlers like Bajrang Punia have received it, drawing attention to disciplines that usually sit in the background.
If you’re a fan or a journalist, covering the award season is a chance to highlight how sport unites India’s diverse regions. Stories about athletes from small towns making it to the world stage resonate deeply with readers and boost website traffic.
In short, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna isn’t just an accolade; it’s a catalyst for growth in Indian sports. Whether you’re an athlete aiming for greatness or a content creator looking for hot topics, understanding this award gives you a clear view of what excellence looks like in India today.
