Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Highest sporting honour of the Republic of India}}
#REDIRECT [[Khel Ratna Award]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}}
{{distinguish|Dhyan Chand Award}}
{{Infobox award
| name      = Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
| image      =
| image_size =
| subheader  = Civilian award for contributions to Sports (Individual/Team)
| awarded_for = Highest sports honour in India
| sponsor = [[Government of India]]
| firstawarded = 1991–92
| lastawarded = 2020
| reward = {{INRConvert|25|l}}
| holder_label = Most recent winner
| holder =  {{bulleted list|[[Rohit Sharma]]|[[Mariyappan Thangavelu]]|[[Manika Batra]]|[[Vinesh Phogat]]|[[Rani Rampal]]}}
| award1_type = Total awarded
| award1_winner = 45
| award2_type = First winner
| award2_winner = [[Viswanathan Anand]]
| next = [[Arjuna Award]]
}}
 
The '''Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in Sports and Games''' ({{IPA-hi|kʰeːl rɛt̪nə}}; formerly, '''Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna''')<ref name="scheme">{{cite web|title=Scheme for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award|date=23 February 2015|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|url=http://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/Rajiv%20Gandhi%20Kel%20Ratna%20Award.pdf|access-date=2 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909142048/http://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/Rajiv%20Gandhi%20Kel%20Ratna%20Award.pdf|archive-date=9 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aug 6|first=TIMESOFINDIA COM / Updated:|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=14:29|title=Dhyan Chand Award: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award-renamed-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award/articleshow/85093875.cms|access-date=2021-08-06|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Renamed After Hockey Great Dhyan Chand|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-says-khel-ratna-award-will-now-be-called-major-dhyan-chand-khel-ratna-award-after-many-requests-from-citizens-2504086|access-date=2021-08-06|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> is the highest sporting honour of the [[India|Republic of India]].<ref name="RGKR15IE">{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/sania-mirza-conferred-with-rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award/|title=Sania Mirza conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award|date=29 August 2015|access-date=2 May 2016|newspaper=The Indian Express|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001183252/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/sania-mirza-conferred-with-rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award/|archive-date=1 October 2015}}</ref> The award is named after [[Dhyan Chand]] (1905–79), an Indian [[field hockey]] player, widely regarded as the greatest field hockey player of all time, who scored more than 1000 goals over a career that spanned over 20 years from 1926 to 1948.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-02-26|title=Discover hockey's answer to Pele|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/hockey/features/newsid_3490000/3490504.stm|access-date=2021-08-06}}</ref> It is awarded annually by the [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]]. The recipient(s) is/are selected by a committee constituted by the Ministry and is honoured for their "spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports over a period of four years" at international level. {{As of|2020}}, the award comprises a [[medal]]lion, a certificate, and a cash prize of {{INRConvert|25|l}}.{{efn|The cash prize was revised from {{INRConvert|1|l}} to {{INRConvert|3|l}} in 2000,<ref name="RGKR98"/><ref name="RGKR99"/> to {{INRConvert|5|l}} in 2002,<ref name="RGKR1"/> to {{INRConvert|7.5|l}} in 2009,<ref name="RGKR9"/> and to {{INRConvert|25|l}} in 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2020/aug/29/khel-ratna-awardees-to-receive-25-lakh-15-lakh-for-arjuna-awardees-2189852.html|title=Khel Ratna awardees to receive 25 lakh, 15 lakh for Arjuna awardees|date=29 August 2020|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>}}
 
Instituted in 1991–1992, the award was given for the performance by a sportsperson in a year. Based on the suggestions provided by 2014 award selection committee, the Ministry revised the criteria in February 2015 to consider the performance over a period of four years. The nominations for a given year are accepted till 30 April or last working day of April with not more than two sportspersons nominated for each sports discipline. A twelve-member committee evaluates the performances of a sportsperson at various International events like [[Olympic Games]], [[Paralympic Games]], [[Asian Games]], and [[Commonwealth Games]]. The committee later submits their recommendations to the [[Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports]] for further approval.
 
The first recipient of the award was [[Grandmaster (chess)|Chess Grandmaster]] [[Viswanathan Anand]], who was honoured for the performance in the year 1991–92. In 2001, [[Shooting sport|sport shooter]] [[Abhinav Bindra]], then aged 18, became the youngest recipient of the award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/abhinav-bindra-5-interesting-facts-about-indias-ace-shooter-175489.html|title=5 Interesting Facts About Abhinav Bindra|work=The Times of India|date=23 September 2014|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621122935/http://www.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/abhinav-bindra-5-interesting-facts-about-indias-ace-shooter-175489.html|archive-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> Usually conferred upon only one sportsperson in a year, a few exceptions have been made (1993–1994, 2002, 2009, 2012, and 2016–2020) when multiple recipients were awarded in a year. {{As of|2019}}, there have been forty-three recipients from fifteen sport disciplines: [[Sport of athletics|Athletics]], [[Badminton]], [[English billiards|Billiards]], [[Professional boxing|Boxing]], [[Chess]], [[Cricket]], [[Field hockey]], [[Gymnastics]], [[Shooting sport|Shooting]], [[Snooker]], [[Table Tennis]], [[Tennis]], [[Wrestling]], [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]], and [[Yacht racing]]. The most recent recipients of the award are [[Rohit Sharma]] (Cricket), [[Mariyappan Thangavelu]] (Para Athletics), [[Manika Batra]] (Table Tennis), [[Vinesh Phogat]] (Wrestling), and [[Rani Rampal]] (Hockey).
 
==Nominations==
 
The nominations for the award are received from all government recognised National Sports Federations, the [[Indian Olympic Association]], the [[Sports Authority of India]] (SAI), the Sports Promotion and Control Boards, and the state and the union territory governments with not more than two eligible sportspersons nominated for each sports discipline. In case of cricket, the nominations are received from the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] and SAI is authorised to submit the nominations on behalf of all the de-recognised or under suspension National Sports Federations.{{efn|name=cricket|For cricket, there is no National Sports Federation recognised by the Government.<ref name="scheme"/>}} The previous award recipients can also nominate one sportsperson for the discipline for which they themselves were awarded. The Government can nominate up to two sportspersons in deserving cases where no such nominations have been received from the nominating authorities. The nominations for a given year are accepted till 30 April or last working day of April.<ref name="scheme"/>
 
==Selection process==
 
All the received nominations are sent to SAI and [[National Anti-Doping Agency]] for the verification against the claimed achievements and doping clearance respectively. Any sportsperson who is either penalised or being enquired for usage of drugs or substances banned by the [[World Anti-Doping Agency]] is not eligible for the award. A committee consisting of the Joint Secretary and the Director/Deputy Secretary of Department of Sports, the Secretary and the Executive Director/Director (TEAMS) of SAI verify and validate the nominations.<ref name="scheme"/>
 
The valid nominations are placed before the selection committee constituted by the Government. This twelve member committee consists of a Chairperson nominated by the Ministry, four Olympians or previous recipients of  Khel Ratna or [[Arjuna Award]], three sports journalists/experts/commentators, one sportsperson/expert/administrator associated with [[Disabled sports|parasports]], one sports administrator, the Director General of SAI, and the Joint Secretary of Department of Sports, with not more than one sportsperson from a particular discipline included in the committee.<ref name="scheme"/> When instituted in 1991–92, the award was given for the performance by a sportsperson in a year.<ref name="RGKR98"/><ref>{{cite press release|title=Criteria for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan chand Award|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=102969|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=3 May 2016|date=3 February 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602020854/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=102969|archive-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> Based on the suggestions provided by 2014 award selection committee headed by [[Kapil Dev]],<ref name="RGKR14"/><ref>{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards Schemes Revamped|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=115679|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=3 May 2016|date=23 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602020857/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=115679|archive-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> the Ministry revised the criteria in February 2015 to consider the performance over a period of four years.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Committee for National Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=118438|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=3 May 2016|date=21 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602020431/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=118438|archive-date=2 June 2016}}</ref>
 
The medals won in various International championships and events of the disciplines which include Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games are given 80% weightage. The remaining 20% weightage is given to the profile and standard of the events. For any other games not included in Olympic, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games like cricket and indigenous games, the individuals performance of a sportsperson is taken into consideration. The sportsperson with maximum points is given 80 marks. Rest of the sportspersons are given marks in proportion to the maximum points. For team events, marks are given as per the strength of the team.<ref name="scheme"/> Following are the points defined for medals at the given events:
 
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;width:60%"
|+Points for winning medals for the performance during the last four years
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Event
! scope="col" colspan="3" | Medal
|-
! scope="col" | {{Gold medal}}
! scope="col" | {{Silver medal}}
! scope="col" | {{Bronze medal}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Olympic Games]]/[[Paralympic Games]]
| 80 || 70 || 55
|-
! scope="row" | [[World championship|World Championship]]/[[World cup competition|World Cup]]{{efn|A World Championship/World Cup is generally organised every four years. For different cyclicities, proportionate marks are given.}}
| 40 || 30 || 20
|-
! scope="row" | [[Asian Games]]
| 30 || 25 || 20
|-
! scope="row" | [[Commonwealth Games]]
| 25 || 20 || 15
|}
 
For a given discipline, not more than two sportspersons, one male and one female, are given highest marks. The committee may not recommend the award to the sportsperson with the highest marks across disciplines but can only recommend the recipient of the highest aggregate marks in a particular sports discipline. The recommendations of the selection committee are submitted to the [[Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports]] for further approval.<ref name="scheme"/>
 
==List==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Key
|-
|align=center style="width:30px;background-color:#CEE8F0"|#
|Indicates a joint award for the given year
|}
 
[[File:London Chess Classic 2010 Anand 04.jpg|alt=A photograph of a man playing Chess with blue sweater.|thumbnail|upright|The first recipient of the award [[Viswanathan Anand]] is the country's first chess [[Grandmaster (chess)|Grandmaster]] and a five-time winner of [[World Chess Championship]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/chess/news/217314-who-is-viswanathan-anand|title=Why is Viswanathan Anand a chess legend?|date=22 November 2013|access-date=15 November 2015|publisher=NDTVSports|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032620/http://sports.ndtv.com/chess/news/217314-who-is-viswanathan-anand|archive-date=2015-11-17}}</ref>]]
 
[[File:Pankaj Advani PHC 2012-1.jpg|alt=A photograph of a man playing Snooker wearing a white shirt and black waistcoat.|thumbnail|upright|[[Pankaj Advani (billiards player)|Pankaj Advani]] is the only sportsperson to have won the award for two sports disciplines; Billiards and Snooker.]]


{{multiple image
{{Redirect category shell|
| align    = right
{{R from move}}
| direction = vertical
| width    = 168
| image1    = Rohit Sharma November 2016 (cropped).jpg
| alt1      =
| caption1  = [[Rohit Sharma]] (Cricket)
| image2    = Mariyappan Thangavelu.jpg
| alt2      =
| caption2  = [[Mariyappan Thangavelu]] (Para Athletics)
| image3    = Manika Batra 1.jpg
| alt3      =
| caption3  = [[Manika Batra]] (Table Tennis)
| image4    = Vinesh Phogat receives Arjuna Award in 2016.jpg
| alt4      =
| caption4  = [[Vinesh Phogat]] (Wrestling)
| header    = The four latest recipients of the award (from top to bottom)
}}
}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+List of award recipients, showing the year, and discipline(s)
! scope="col" |Year
! scope="col" |Recipient(s)
! scope="col" |Discipline(s)
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |{{Tooltip|Refs.|Reference}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1991–1992
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Viswanathan|Anand}}
| [[Chess]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR">{{cite web|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards|url=http://www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/tview3.asp?link_temp_id=553|publisher=Sports Authority of India|access-date=18 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507034054/http://www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/tview3.asp?link_temp_id=553|archive-date=7 May 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=List of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winners|url=http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/rg_khelratna.htm|date=30 August 2005|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060704045548/http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/rg_khelratna.htm|archive-date=4 July 2006}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1992–1993
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Geet|Sethi}}
| [[Cue sports|Billiards]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 1993–1994 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Homi|Motivala}}
| [[Yachting]] (Team event)
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR93">{{cite web|title=National Sports Awards|url=http://www.yai.org.in/national-sports-awards.html|publisher=Yachting Association of India|access-date=17 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610104756/http://www.yai.org.in/national-sports-awards.html|archive-date=10 June 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 1993–1994 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Pushpendra Kumar|Garg}}
| [[Yachting]] (Team event)
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR93"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1994–1995
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Karnam|Malleswari}}
| [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1995–1996
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Nameirakpam|Kunjarani|Kunjarani Devi}}
| [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1996–1997
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Leander|Paes}}
| [[Tennis]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1997–1998
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Sachin|Tendulkar}}
| [[Cricket]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1998–1999
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Jyotirmoyee|Sikdar}}
| [[Track and field|Athletics]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR98">{{cite press release|title=Arjun Awards 1998 announced Ms. Jyotirmoyee Sikdar gets Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 1998–99|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr99/l0899/r110899.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426063937/http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr99/l0899/r110899.html|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1999–2000
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Dhanraj|Pillay}}
| [[Field hockey|Hockey (Men)]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR99">{{cite press release|title=Arjuna Awards to be presented tomorrow|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2000/raug2000/r28082000.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=30 August 2000|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412155100/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2000/raug2000/r28082000.html|archive-date=12 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2000–2001
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Pullela|Gopichand}}
| [[Badminton]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR2000">{{cite press release|title=President presents Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dronacharya Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2001/rsep2001/29092001/r290920012.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 September 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180602/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2001/rsep2001/29092001/r290920012.html|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2001
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Abhinav|Bindra}}
| [[Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR1">{{cite press release|title=President presents Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dronacharya Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/raug2002/29082002/r290820027.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 August 2002|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426053532/http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/raug2002/29082002/r290820027.html|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2002 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|K. M.|Beenamol}}
| [[Track and field|Athletics]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR2">{{cite press release|title=Arjuna Awards, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya Awards given away|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2003/raug2003/29082003/r2908200311.html|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 August 2003|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426072256/http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2003/raug2003/29082003/r2908200311.html|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2002 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Anjali|Bhagwat}}
| [[Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR2"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2003
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Anju Bobby|George}}
| [[Track and field|Athletics]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR3">{{cite press release|title=President gives away Arjuna Awards and Dronacharya Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=3940|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=21 September 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426042455/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=3940|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2004
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Rajyavardhan Singh|Rathore}}
| [[Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR4">{{cite press release|title=President gives away Arjuna Awards and Dronacharya Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=11669|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 August 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426061643/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=11669|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2005
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Pankaj|Advani|dab=billiards player}}
| [[Cue sports|Billiards]] and [[Snooker]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR5">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, 2005, Arjuna awards 2005, Dhyan Chand awards, 2006 and Dronacharya awards for the year 2005 Announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=20149|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=23 August 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426044314/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=20149|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2006
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Manavjit Singh|Sandhu}}
| [[Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR6">{{cite press release|title=President gives away Arjuna Awards and Dronacharya Awards|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=30609|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 August 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426030832/http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=30609|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2007
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Mahendra Singh|Dhoni}}
| [[Cricket]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR7">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna & Arjuna Awards announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=41434|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=19 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426050423/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=41434|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2008
! scope="row" colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | No award{{efn|name=RGKR8|The award for the performance in 2008 is being referred to as award for 2009.<ref name="RGKR"/>}}
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2009 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Mary|Kom}}
| [[Women's boxing|Boxing (Women)]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR9">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards and other Sports Awards Announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=51164|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=29 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426052730/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=51164|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2009 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Vijender|Singh}}
| [[Boxing]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR9"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2009 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Sushil|Kumar|dab=wrestler}}
| [[Wrestling]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR9"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2010
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Saina|Nehwal}}
| [[Badminton]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR10">{{cite press release|title=Sports Minister Gives away Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Saina Nehwal|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=66811|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=8 November 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426035926/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=66811|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2011
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Gagan|Narang}}
| [[Shooting sport|Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR11">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards and other Sports Awards Announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=74755|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=18 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426044433/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=74755|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2012 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Vijay|Kumar|dab=sport shooter}}
| [[Shooting sport|Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR12">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Awards Announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=86351|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=19 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426043805/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=86351|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2012 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Yogeshwar|Dutt}}
| [[Wrestling]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR12"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2013
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Ronjan|Sodhi}}
| [[Shooting sport|Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR13">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=98548|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=22 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426043235/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=98548|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2014
! scope="row" colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | No award
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR14">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards 2014|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108953|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=21 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426065733/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108953|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2015
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Sania|Mirza}}
| [[Tennis]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR15">{{cite press release|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2015 and Arjuna Awards 2015|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126073|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=17 April 2016|date=14 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426052505/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126073|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2016 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|P. V.|Sindhu}}
| [[Badminton]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR16">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards 2016|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149084|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=23 August 2016|date=22 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825074404/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149084|archive-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2016 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Dipa|Karmakar}}
| [[Gymnastics]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR16"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2016 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Jitu|Rai}}
| [[Shooting sport|Shooting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR16"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2016 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Sakshi|Malik}}
| [[Wrestling]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR16"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2017 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Devendra|Jhajharia}}
|[[Paralympic Games|Paralympic]] [[Javelin throw|javelin]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR17">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards 2017|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170149|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=22 August 2017|date=22 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205415/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170149|archive-date=23 August 2017}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;"| 2017 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Sardara|Singh}}
| [[Field hockey|Hockey (Men)]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR17"/>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2018 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Saikhom Mirabai|Chanu}}
| [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR18">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards 2018 announced; Mirabai Chanu and Virat Kohli to get Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna|url=https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/Press%20release%20for%20Sports%20Awards%202018.pdf|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=20 September 2018|date=20 September 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920195611/https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/Press%20release%20for%20Sports%20Awards%202018.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2018}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;"| 2018 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Virat|Kohli}}
| [[Cricket]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR18"/>
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2019 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Deepa|Malik}}
|[[Paralympic Games|Paralympic]] ([[shot put]], [[Javelin throw|javelin]], others)
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR19">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards - 2019 announced Bajrang Punia and Deepa Malik to get Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1582410|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=20 August 2019|date=20 August 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822112815/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1582410|archive-date=22 August 2020}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2019 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Bajrang|Punia}}
|[[Wrestling]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR19" />
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2020 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Rohit|Sharma}}
|[[Cricket]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR20">{{cite press release|title=National Sports Awards 2020 announced – Rohit Sharma, Mariyappan T., Manik Batra, Ms Vinesh and Ms Rani bag the Khel Ratna|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1647633|publisher=Press Information Bureau, India|access-date=21 August 2020|date=21 August 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822113113/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1647633|archive-date=22 August 2020}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2020 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Mariyappan|Thangavelu}}
|[[Paralympic Games|Paralympic]] [[high jump]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR20" />
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2020 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Manika|Batra}}
|[[Table Tennis]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR20" />
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2020 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Vinesh|Phogat}}
|[[Wrestling]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR20" />
|-
|style="text-align:center;background-color:#CEE8F0;" | 2020 #
! scope="row" | {{sortname|Rani|Rampal}}
| [[Field hockey|Hockey (Women)]]
| align="center" | <ref name="RGKR20" />
|}
==Controversies==
The 2002 selection committee headed by former football player [[Pradip Kumar Banerjee]] made twenty one recommendations for the [[Arjuna Award]] and two recommendations for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, athlete [[K. M. Beenamol]] and shooter [[Anjali Bhagwat]]. The government rejected the recommendations and asked the committee to cut down the list to comply with the award guidelines, where only one sportsperson for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and fifteen sportspersons along with one disabled athlete for the Arjuna Awards could be recommended each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Arjuna-Awards-panel-to-prune-list/articleshow/118763.cms|title=Arjuna Awards panel to prune list|work=The Times of India|date=7 August 2003|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=14 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803124633/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Arjuna-Awards-panel-to-prune-list/articleshow/118763.cms|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref> The committee revised the list to recommend Beenamol for the award over Bhagwat but also put a request "to consider everyone".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/09khel.htm|title=Beenamol to get Khel Ratna|work=Rediff.com|date=9 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805012504/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/09khel.htm|archive-date=5 August 2016}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/23/stories/2003082307431700.htm|title=Beenamol, Anjali to share Khel Ratna|date=23 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203083511/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/23/stories/2003082307431700.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 February 2018}}</ref> The decision spurred criticism for ignoring the achievements of the shooter and Bhagwat and the [[National Rifle Association of India]] expressed their "disappointment" with the decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/10/stories/2003081004591700.htm|title=Beenamol to get Khel Ratna|date=10 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203083511/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/10/stories/2003081004591700.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 February 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030811/sports.htm#2|title=Anjali flays awards panel|newspaper=The Tribune|date=10 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127192526/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030811/sports.htm#2|archive-date=27 January 2015}}
* {{cite news|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=23807|title=Sidelined, shooter Anjali Bhagwat slams Arjuna award selection|date=10 August 2003|work=Press Trust of India|publisher=The Indian Express|access-date=15 May 2016|author=Srivastava, Abhaya|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806144311/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=23807|archive-date=6 August 2016}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/10anjali.htm|title=Anjali slams Arjuna Awards committee|work=Rediff.com|date=10 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805012507/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/10anjali.htm|archive-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Later, the government accepted all the recommendations "as an exception" and jointly awarded Beenamol and Bhagwat for the year 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030830/asp/sports/story_2315737.asp|title=33 sportspersons honoured: Controversy set aside as stars get their due from the President|date=30 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|newspaper=The Telegraph|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610152120/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030830/asp/sports/story_2315737.asp|archive-date=10 June 2016}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/22awards.htm|title=Anjali, Beenamol get Khel Ratna|work=Rediff.com|date=22 August 2003|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805012510/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/aug/22awards.htm|archive-date=5 August 2016}}</ref>
In August 2013, the selection committee headed by [[Michael Ferreira]] recommended [[Shooting sport|sport shooter]] [[Ronjan Sodhi]] for the award, with some committee members questioning the process of selection.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ronjan-sodhi-khel-ratna-irks-krishna-poonia-improper-selection-sports-panel-politics-ace-shooter/1/299466.html|title=Ronjan Sodhi's Khel Ratna nomination irks Krishna Poonia|magazine=India Today|date=14 August 2013|access-date=15 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604071422/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ronjan-sodhi-khel-ratna-irks-krishna-poonia-improper-selection-sports-panel-politics-ace-shooter/1/299466.html|archive-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> A committee member noted that [[discus throw]]er [[Krishna Poonia]], and Paralympic athlete [[Girisha Nagarajegowda]] were shortlisted and Sodhi was not the initial choice. However, Girisha's name was removed, and the final voting was done between Sodhi and Poonia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/athletics/news/212730-khel-ratna-controversy-krishna-poonia-hits-back-at-anjali-bhagwat-says-didnt-lobby-for-award|title=Khel Ratna controversy: Krishna Poonia hits back at Anjali Bhagwat; says didn't lobby for award|publisher=NDTV|date=21 August 2013|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=14 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605115318/http://sports.ndtv.com/athletics/news/212730-khel-ratna-controversy-krishna-poonia-hits-back-at-anjali-bhagwat-says-didnt-lobby-for-award|archive-date=2016-06-05}}</ref> Poonia was accused of lobbying for the award by one of the committee member Anjali Bhagwat,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/new-twist-in-khel-ratna-controversy--anjali-bhagwat-claims-poonia-lobbied-with-her/227965|title=New twist in Khel Ratna controversy: Anjali Bhagwat claims Poonia lobbied with her|newspaper=Mid-Day|agency=Press Trust of India|date=21 August 2013|access-date=15 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530150858/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/new-twist-in-khel-ratna-controversy--anjali-bhagwat-claims-poonia-lobbied-with-her/227965|archive-date=30 May 2016}}</ref> but the accused met the then Union Sports Minister [[Jitendra Singh (Congress politician)|Jitendra Singh]] to promote her case and also rubbished the lobbying allegations.<ref name="RGKR13Sportstar">{{cite journal|url=http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3636/stories/20130907507105900.htm|title=Awards and the controversy thereafter|journal=Sportstar|volume=36|issue=36|date=2013|access-date=15 May 2016}}{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/krishna-poonia-on-khel-ratna-controversy/1/300629.html|title=Didn't lobby for award: Krishna Poonia on Khel Ratna controversy|magazine=India Today|date=21 August 2013|access-date=15 May 2016|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604065408/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/krishna-poonia-on-khel-ratna-controversy/1/300629.html|archive-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> The Ministry conducted a separate enquiry by Secretary of Department of Sports and decided not to increase the number of awards "to maintain the stature of the awards".<ref name="RGKR13Sportstar"/>
Following an announcement, in August 2015, that tennis player [[Sania Mirza]] was to be awarded, a [[Public interest law|Public-Interest Litigation]] was filed in the [[Karnataka High Court]]. The petitioner, Paralympic athlete Girisha, mentioned that his performance was ignored by the committee.<ref name="RGKR15DNA">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-karnataka-hc-stays-sania-mirza-s-rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award-2118745|title=Karnataka HC stays Sania Mirza's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award|date=26 August 2015|access-date=6 May 2016|location=Mumbai|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829224802/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-karnataka-hc-stays-sania-mirza-s-rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award-2118745|archive-date=29 August 2015}}</ref> Girisha claimed to be a top contender for the award with 90 points, owing to his silver medal winning act at the [[2012 Summer Paralympics]] in the [[Athletics at the 2012 Summer Paralympics – Men's high jump|Men's High Jump F42 event]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/athletics/news/196056-girisha-hosanagara-nagarajegowda-bags-first-paralympic-medal-for-india|title=Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda bags first Paralympic medal for India|publisher=NDTV|date=4 September 2012|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=14 May 2016|location=London|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605101648/http://sports.ndtv.com/athletics/news/196056-girisha-hosanagara-nagarajegowda-bags-first-paralympic-medal-for-india|archive-date=2016-06-05}}</ref> The petition mentioned that the points for Mirza's [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] titles from 2011 until 2015 should not be counted as the events were not a part of the list of sports events to be considered for the performance evaluation.{{efn|Mirza has won [[2012 French Open – Mixed Doubles]] with [[Mahesh Bhupathi]], [[2014 US Open – Mixed Doubles]] with [[Bruno Soares]], and [[2015 US Open – Women's Doubles]] and [[2015 Wimbledon Championships – Women's Doubles]] with [[Martina Hingis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/players/player/9471/title/sania-mirza#careerhighlights|title=Sania Mirza profile|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|access-date=14 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519213458/http://www.wtatennis.com/players/player/9471/title/sania-mirza#careerhighlights|archive-date=19 May 2016}}</ref>}} The court withheld the conferment and sought replies from the Ministry about the selection process. The Ministry nevertheless presented the award to Mirza on 29 August 2015 amidst the case processing.<ref name="RGKR15IE"/>
==Explanatory notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna}}
* {{cite web|title=Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award|url=http://yas.nic.in/sports/rajiv-gandhi-khel-ratna-award|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India|access-date=18 April 2016}}
{{Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardees}}
{{National Sports Awards}}
{{India Honours and Decorations}}
{{National Sportsperson of the Year}}
[[Category:Indian sports trophies and awards]]
[[Category:National sportsperson-of-the-year trophies and awards|India]]
[[Category:Awards established in 1991]]
[[Category:India sport-related lists]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]]

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