Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

In order to honour great achiever in sports, the Government of India instituted the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (RGKR) award, which is the highest honour. The award is administered by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The award gets its name from former Prime Minister Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi and the words “Khel Ratna” means “gem of sports” in Hindi language. The award comprises of issuing a scroll of honour, a medal and cash prize. The current cash prize is Rs 7.5 Lakhs which was enhanced in 2005 prior to which, the amount was Rs 5 Lakhs (c.11, 500 USD).

This award was introduced in 1991-92 to fill the vacuum in honouring the national sportspersons by appropriately honouring them with national accolades. Prior to RGKR. Arjuna award was the highest award given to sportspersons in various disciplines of sports on yearly basis. The Khel Ratna now is the highest honour conferred upon individuals or teams in various sports in the particular year under review.

List of Awardees

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajiv_Gandhi_Khel_Ratna#Awardees

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