UPSC Prelims 2023 Q95: Current Affairs – Sports Awards
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) Only three
- (d) All four
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
Sports Awards in India — Correct Descriptions
| Pair | Award | Description Given | Verdict | Correct Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | Most spectacular performance over last 4 years | TRUE | The Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour in India — awarded for the most outstanding performance over the last 4 years. |
| 2 | Arjuna Award | Lifetime achievement | FALSE | Arjuna Award recognises outstanding performance over the last 4 years. Lifetime achievement is recognised by the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement (not the Arjuna Award). |
| 3 | Dronacharya Award | Honours coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams | TRUE | Dronacharya Award is given to coaches who have produced outstanding sportspersons or teams performing at international level. |
| 4 | Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar | Recognises sportspersons after retirement | FALSE | Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar is given to corporate entities and individuals (not retired sportspersons) who have made significant contributions to the promotion and development of sports. |
Pairs 1 and 3 correct → Only two.
Answer: (b) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' — both Khel Ratna and Dronacharya descriptions are correct.
- (b) CORRECT. Pairs 1 (Khel Ratna for 4-year outstanding performance) and 3 (Dronacharya for coaches) are correct. Arjuna Award is for outstanding performance (not lifetime), and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan is for promoters (not retired athletes).
- (c) Incorrect. 'Only three' — the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan description (retired sportspersons) is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. 'All four' — Arjuna Award is for performance, not lifetime achievement; that's the Dhyan Chand Award.
Key point
Khel Ratna = 4-year outstanding performance ✓. Arjuna = 4-year performance (NOT lifetime) ✗. Dronacharya = coaches ✓. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan = corporate/individual promoters (NOT retired athletes) ✗. Two correct.
Remember
Khel Ratna is for most spectacular performance over 4 years; Arjuna Award is for outstanding performance (not lifetime achievement — that's the Dhyan Chand Award); Dronacharya is for coaches; Rashtriya Khel Protsahan is for sports promoters/corporates, not retired sportspersons.
Common mistakes
- Attributing lifetime achievement to Arjuna Award — Arjuna recognises recent 4-year performance; the Dhyan Chand Award is for lifetime achievement.
- Thinking Rashtriya Khel Protsahan is for retired athletes — it is for organisations/individuals who promote sports, not for athletes themselves.
- Confusing the multiple sports awards in India — UPSC frequently tests the distinction between Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Dhyan Chand, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan.
Exam tip
Sports awards memory: Khel Ratna = highest, 4-yr performance. Arjuna = consistent 4-yr performance. Dronacharya = coaches. Dhyan Chand = lifetime achievement. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan = promoters/corporates. Never confuse Arjuna with lifetime — that's Dhyan Chand.
Sources
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — Sports Awards Guidelines
- Sports Authority of India — Award Criteria