New Delhi: The Sports Ministry is planning a massive hike in the prize money for the National Sports Awards. If the proposal is approved the Khel Ratna awardees will get Rs 25 lakh. On the other hand the Arjuna winners will be richer by Rs 15 lakh. Currently, the Khel Ratna comes with a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh, while the Arjuna awardees get Rs 5,00,000.
It has been learnt that the ministry is busy giving final touches to the proposal. Once done Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju will make a formal announcement by August 29 – the National Sports Day. It is on this day the annual honours are given away every year.
“The prize money of National Sports Awards is set to be increased significantly. A proposal in this regard has already been made. The minister actively pushed for it after athletes complained that the prize money of sports awards is too less,” a Sports Ministry source said Thursday. “The proposal is still under consideration. If accepted by the government, the new cash rewards will be given from this year itself,” he added.
However, when contacted Sports Secretary Ravi Mittal, said he was not aware of any such development. “I am not aware. I don’t know anything,” Mittal said when reached for a comment.
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The prize money for Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya (Lifetime) awards will also be increased from Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 15 lakh.
According to the proposal, the cash reward for the regular Dronacharya awards the amount will be increased to 10 lakh. Currently the amount is Rs 5,00,000.
If implemented before August 29, the government will have to shell out a hefty amount. An unprecedented 62 athletes have been recommended by the Sports Ministry’s selection committee for this year’s awards.
Cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, women’s hockey Rani Rampal, paddler Manika Batra and Rio Paralympic gold-winning high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu have been picked for the Khel Ratna. The committee also recommended 29 others for the Arjuna award, Tuesday. Odisha sprinter Dutee Chand is among the Arjuna nominees.
Besides, 13 coaches have been recommended for ‘Dronacharya’ while 15 names have been shortlisted for the Dhyan Chand honour. The final list will, however, come out only after the minister approves it.