Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

The Sports Ministry is planning a hike in the prize money for the National Sports Awards. If it approves the proposal, it will lead to Khel Ratna awardees receiving Rs 25 lakh. This will leave the Arjuna winners richer by 15 lakh.

Currently, the Khel Ratna comes with a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh, while the Arjuna awardees get Rs 5 lakh.

The Ministry is busy giving final touches to the proposal. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju will formally make an announcement by August 29. August 29 is the National Sports Day, when the annual honours are given away every year.

However, Sports Secretary Ravi Mittal, said he was not aware of any such development.

The prize money for Dhyanchand and Dronacharya (Lifetime) awards will also be increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

According to the proposal, the cash reward for the regular Dronacharya award is set to be increased to Rs 10 lakh. The award is currently the same as one for the lifetime achievement.

If implemented before August 29, the government will have to shell out a hefty amount.

However, the final list will come out only after the minister approves it. The prize money of National Sports Awards was last increased in 2009.

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