SAAOPSG

The objective of Arjuna Awards is to recognize outstanding achievements of sportspersons in the field of sports at the international level. To be eligible for the award, a sportsperson should have good performance consistently for the previous four years at the international level.

The "Scheme For Arjuna Awards For Outstanding Performance In Sports And Games" is one of the highest sporting honors of the Government of India, presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to sportspersons for outstanding performance in national and international competitions. Instituted in 1961, the award also recognizes leadership qualities, discipline, and good moral character among athletes. The award is presented annually by the President of India across various sports disciplines, including indigenous games and para sports. Awardees receive a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a scroll, and a cash prize. Applications for the award are invited online through a dedicated portal, and eligible sportspersons may apply directly without recommendations.

> Eligibility for Arjuna Awards:

• To be eligible for the Award, a sportsperson should have had not only good performance over the previous four years at the International level but also should have shown qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline.
• During the years when the Olympic Games, Commonwealth, and Asian Games are held, the achievements of the sportspersons in these Games and other international tournaments upto the conclusion of the Olympic Games/Commonwealth Games/Asian Games, as the case may be, will also be considered.
• Sportspersons who have been penalized or against whom inquiry is pending/ongoing for use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) based on a sample collected by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) or any other agency authorized by WADA and tested by National Dope Testing Laboratory or any other WADA accredited laboratory, will not be eligible for the Award.
• The Government will only consider conferring Arjuna Award in the disciplines falling under the following categories:

• Olympic Games/Asian Games/Commonwealth Games/World Cup/Word Championship disciplines and cricket or any equivalent recognized international Tournament.
• Indigenous Games.
• Sports for physically challenged.

> Eligibility for Arjuna Awards (Life Time):

• The applicant should be a sportsperson with good performance at the international level.
• The applicant should have continued to contribute to the promotion of sports even after retirement from active sports.
• The applicant should possess qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
• The applicant who has been penalized for use of banned substances should be eligible only after completion of the penalty/suspension/ban period.
• The achievements of the applicant during the suspension or punishment period should not be considered.
• The applicant against whom any enquiry is pending or ongoing should not be eligible for the award.

• Cash Award: A cash prize of ₹15,00,000/- will be provided to the awardee. - Statuette: The awardee will receive a commemorative statuette. - Certificate: A certificate of recognition will be presented to the awardee. - Ceremonial Dress: A ceremonial dress will be awarded as part of the honour.

No Award will be made for a second time to the same person.