The Sport Ministry has sensed a need to review the parameters designed for the selection committee to recommend names for the National Sports Awards. It is aiming to bring some changes in the same.
Some jury members were keen on setting appropriate norms for judging performances in team and individual events separately. Other members sought parity on treating performers from Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. Apart from this, the stress was also on separate awards for para athletes. The members also stressed upon separate awards for those excelling in indigenous disciplines.
A jury member also suggested a separate set of awards (other than the Dronacharya Awards) for coaches working on grassroots level. These coaches harness raw talents into potential champions and the nation’s pride.
The two-day meeting ended on a note of recommending a longer list of awardees than before. Changes cannot be ruled out after Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju reviews these recommendations.