Overview
Honours sportspersons who performed well at international level and have continued to contribute to the promotion of sport after retiring from active competition. Scheme amended as on 03.02.2016; 2023 cycle invited under circular K-15012/1/2023-SP-IV(iv).
Key details
- Age
- Retired sportspersons who continued to contribute to the promotion of sport after their playing career ended.
- Amount / benefit value
- Statuette, certificate and ceremonial dress with a cash prize of ₹10,00,000 — the figure notified in the Ministry's cash-prize enhancement circular F.No. K-15012/04/2018-SP-IV of August 2020, which raised it from ₹5,00,000.
- Official guidelines PDF
- 📄 Download PDF ↗
Note: The cash prize is ₹10 lakh, notified in the Ministry's enhancement circular F.No. K-15012/04/2018-SP-IV of August 2020 (up from ₹5 lakh). The 2021 cycle was invited by circular F.No. K-15012/3/2021-SP-IV(iv) dated 19 May 2021, which also applies the WADA/NADA rule: a served penalty does not bar consideration, achievements during the penalty period are excluded, and a pending enquiry does.
Eligibility
- ▸ Good performance at international level as an active sportsperson
- ▸ Continued contribution to the promotion of sport in an individual capacity after retirement
- ▸ Qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and sense of discipline
- ▸ Not eligible if already conferred with the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award or Dronacharya Award
- ▸ WADA/NADA penalised athletes may apply after completing the penalty; achievements during the punishment period are excluded
Benefits
- ✓ Statuette, certificate and ceremonial dress
- ✓ Cash prize as notified in the Ministry's cash-prize enhancement circular dated 27.08.2020
Documents required
- ▪ Online application at dbtyas-sports.gov.in
- ▪ Achievement certificates from the playing career
- ▪ Evidence of post-retirement contribution to sport
- ▪ Vigilance clearance for Government servants
Application process
Only online, at dbtyas-sports.gov.in — eligible sportspersons may self-apply without any recommendation. For the 2023 cycle applications closed at 11:59 pm on 2 November 2023. Government servants must submit vigilance clearance.
Apply via: Only online, at dbtyas-sports.gov.in — eligible sportspersons may self-apply without any recommendation. For the 2023 cycle applications closed at 11:59 pm on 2 November 2023. Government servants must submit vigilance clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?＋
A sportsperson with good performance at international level who has continued to contribute to the promotion of sports in an individual capacity after retiring, and who has shown leadership, sportsmanship and discipline.
Can a past awardee of another national award apply?＋
No. Sportspersons already conferred with the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award or Dronacharya Award are not eligible to apply for the Dhyan Chand Award.
How is the application made?＋
Only online at dbtyas-sports.gov.in — eligible sportspersons may self-apply without any recommendation. For the 2023 cycle the deadline was 11:59 pm on 2 November 2023; Government servants must also submit vigilance clearance.