Choosing right sportspersons for right awards

29 August, 2012

This is about the predicament the selectors are going to face while choosing the right persons for various sporting awards. They need to analyse the eligibility not only on the basis of performance but also on the display of sportsmanship and leadership qualities.

SPEAKING AT a function to commemorate the “National Sports Day” on the occasion of 107th birth anniversary of hockey wizard Late Maj. Dhyan Chand, Ajay Makan, minister of state for Youth Affairs & Sports said on Wednesday that total number of Arjuna awards has been increased.

For the first time unprecedented 25 sportsmen were given Arjuna awards. The selection committee will now face difficulty in choosing the right persons for the award.

Today, non-cricketing awards are on the rise. Olympic medal winners are also to be awarded thereby increasing the list of awards. To be eligible for the record, a sportsperson has to achieve excellence in sports.

Not only should he perform good consistently for three consecutive years, a sportsperson needs to display leadership qualities, sportsmanship and discipline. Besides a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh, the award consists of a statuette, a scroll of honour and a ceremonial dress.