Khel Ratna, Arjuna for Rio medallists: Ministry

In a bid to spur their efforts, the sports ministry on Tuesday said medal winners at the Rio Olympic Games in August would be considered for this year’s Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards.

The ministry said the decision has been taken so that athletes do not wait for a full year after their medal-winning performances at the Games.

Medal winners in individual events, who have already not been conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in the past, will be considered for the highest sporting honour.

“Winners in team events, who have played stellar roles in the medal won by the team for the country in 2016 Rio Olympics such as number of goals scored, number of goals saved etc., and who have already not been conferred with Arjuna Award in the past will be considered for the same,” the ministry said.

As per the existing provisions of the schemes of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Awards, achievements of sportspersons in the last four years preceding the year of award are to be considered.