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Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

MDCKRA

2026 ✓🏅 Sports✅ Rs. 25,00,000,Launched: 1992🇮🇳 All India

Published: Oct 2026

3 min read

Published by Navin, Editor · First published: 7 Oct 2026

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
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Published by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 18 Oct 2026 · Numbers and dates checked automatically against the official listing · How we prepare pages

About this sports scheme

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award honors outstanding sportspersons with a cash prize of Rs. 25,00,000, a medallion, and a certificate. The official listing gives no last date, so check the official portal for the current status before applying.

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sporting honor, named after legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. It recognizes exceptional performance in sports over the past four years.

This award is given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and aims to celebrate athletes who excel in international competitions.

Each recipient receives a cash prize, a certificate, and a medallion, highlighting their achievements in sports.

This award not only honors individual talent but also promotes sports culture in India.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameMajor Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (MDCKRA)
Launched byMinistry Of Youth Affairs & Sports
DepartmentDepartment of Sports
Launch year1992
BenefitThe Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award honors outstanding sportspersons with a cash prize of Rs....
Benefit typeComposite (cash plus goods or services)
CategorySports
Level / StateCentral · All India
Official portaldbtyas-sports.gov.in

Key facts

Scheme typeCentral Sector Scheme
Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOnline
Last dateNot given in the official listing
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
Award TypeCentral Sector Scheme
Award PresentationAt a ceremony determined by the Government
Age18 to 80 years

Who can apply (quick check)

  • 👤All genders
  • 🎂Age 18 to 80 years
  • 💼Sportsperson
  • 📝Online

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

हिंदी में जानकारी

मेजर ध्यानचंद खेल रत्न पुरस्कार उत्कृष्ट खिलाड़ियों को 25 लाख रुपये, एक पदक और एक प्रमाण पत्र प्रदान करता है। आवेदन ऑनलाइन चल रहे हैं, और व्यक्ति युवा मामलों और खेल मंत्रालय के माध्यम से आवेदन कर सकते हैं।

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award honors outstanding sportspersons with a cash prize of Rs....

What you receive

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award honors outstanding sportspersons with a cash prize of Rs....
  • Cash prize of Rs. 25,00,000 (tax-exempt)
  • Certificate of honor
  • Medal

The cash prize, along with the certificate and medal, is awarded during a ceremony organized by the government at a designated date and place.

Who qualifies

  • Must be a sportsperson
  • Age between 18 and 80 years
  • Application must be submitted online

Who is not eligible

  • No award for the same person more than once
  • Sportspersons under investigation or penalized for doping are not eligible

Papers to keep ready

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Registration walkthrough

  1. Visit the official website to register and apply.
  2. Click on the 'Registration' tab and fill in personal details, including mobile number verification.
  3. Log in using the credentials sent to your email.
  4. Update your details after first-time login.
  5. Go to the 'Schemes' tab and apply for the Khel Ratna Award.
How to check status and payment

To check the application status, log in to the online portal using your credentials. For further assistance, contact the helpdesk at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Important dates

Launch / start01 Jan 1992

Real-life examples: are you eligible?

A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.

A 25-year-old athlete who has won medals in Olympic events is eligible because they meet the age and performance criteria.
A 45-year-old sportsperson who has not achieved international recognition is not eligible due to insufficient performance.

Every case differs. Confirm your eligibility on the official portal before applying.

Common mistakes: why applications get rejected
  • Incomplete application forms can lead to rejection.
  • Failure to submit required documents on time.
  • Not verifying eligibility criteria before applying.
  • Submitting applications after the deadline.
  • Incorrectly filling out personal details.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cash prize for the award?

The cash prize is Rs. 25,00,000.

How often is the award given?

The award is given annually.

Can the award be given posthumously?

Yes, the award may be conferred posthumously.

Who can nominate sportspersons for the award?

Nominations can be made by recognized National Sports Federations and other authorized bodies.

Is there a limit on how many times a person can win?

No person can receive the award more than once.

What happens if a sportsperson is found guilty of doping?

They will be disqualified from receiving the award.

When do nominations open?

Nominations are invited in January or February each year.

How are winners selected?

Winners are chosen based on their performance in international competitions over the last four years.

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Drafted with AI tools from the official listing. Every number and date is checked automatically against the official text; confirm the details on the official portal before applying.

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