New Delhi, Dec 20 (Agency) Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 will be given to badminton stars Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty and Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj. This was disclosed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports while announcing the National Sports Awards 2023 here on Wednesday. The Award has been conferred to both sportspersons having similar achievements on account of team performance. As many as 26 sportspersons, including India pacer Mohammad Shami, will receive Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India Droupadi Murmu at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9 January 2024. Based on the recommendations of the committee and after due scrutiny, the Centre has decided to confer awards upon the sportspersons, coaches and entities. The National Sports Awards are given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the previous four years. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work consistently and for enabling sportspersons to excel in International events. Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games is given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports through their performance and who continue to contribute to the promotion of sports events after their retirement.