About this sports scheme
The award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports & Games is a prestigious national sports award instituted by the Government of India to recognize coaches who have consistently demonstrated outstanding & meritorious work in training sportspersons to achieve excellence at international competitions.
"Scheme for Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games" has been launched by the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The award is conferred upon coaches who have made exceptional contributions to sports coaching and athlete development.
Objectives:
- To honour coaches who have consistently produced outstanding international-level sportspersons.
- To motivate coaches to dedicate themselves to improving sports performance standards and bringing glory to India through international achievements.
Sports Disciplines Covered:
The award is given to coaches associated with:
- Olympic sports disciplines.
- Non-Olympic sports disciplines recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
- Indigenous sports recognized by the Government of India.
Award Categories:
- Dronacharya Award (Regular)
- Dronacharya Award (Lifetime Contribution)
Number of Awards:
- Ordinarily, not more than 5 awards are given in a calendar year.
- Out of these, 2 awards are reserved for Lifetime Contribution in Coaching.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | Scheme for Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games (SDAOCSG) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Department | Department of Sports |
| Launch year | 1985 |
| Benefit type | Composite (cash plus goods or services) |
| Category | Sports |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | dbtyas-sports.gov.in |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
|---|---|
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | Not given in the official listing |
| Age | 5+ years |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 5+ years
- 💼Sportsperson
- 📝Online
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
Selected awardees receive:
Dronacharya Award (Regular)
- Statuette
- Certificate
- Ceremonial Dress
- Cash Prize of Rs. 10,00,000
Dronacharya Award (Lifetime Contribution)
- Statuette
- Certificate
- Ceremonial Dress
- Cash Prize of Rs. 15,00,000
Additional Information
- The awards are ordinarily conferred by the President of India on 29th August (National Sports Day).
- No individual can receive the award more than once.
- The award may be conferred posthumously.
Who qualifies
Eligibility for Regular Dronacharya Award
- The applicant must be a coach at the Grassroot, Development, or Elite level.
- The applicant must have produced outstanding sporting achievements during the four years immediately preceding the award year.
- Submit details of the athletes coached and the coaching period claimed for the achievements.
Eligibility for Lifetime Contribution Category
- The applicant must have contributed to coaching and athlete development for 20 years or more.
- In the case of Grassroot/Development coaches, they have been associated with an athlete for at least 5 years during the 20-year period.
Who is not eligible
- The applicant is a recipient of the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) (earlier known as Dhyan Chand Award).
- The applicant is involved in canvassing for the award.
- A coach associated with doping violations becomes eligible only after completion of the prescribed punishment, suspension, or ban period. Achievements during the suspension period will not be considered. If an inquiry is pending, the concerned sportsperson's achievements will not be considered.
Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
Online
Step 1: Visit the Department of Sports online portal: https://dbtyas-sports.gov.in/
Step 2: Register on the portal by providing the required details and completing mobile OTP verification.
Step 3: Log in using the credentials received after registration.
Step 4: Complete and update the applicant profile.
Step 5: Select the Dronacharya Award scheme and submit the application online.
Step 6: After successful submission, a unique registration number will be generated for future reference.
Important Notes
- Eligible coaches may apply directly through the online portal without requiring recommendations from nominating authorities.
- The government may nominate up to two deserving candidates.
- The award is granted for the calendar year in which applications are invited.
Contact Details
Dronacharya Award Helpdesk
Email: section.sp4-moyas@gov.in
Phone: 011-23387432
Nodal Officer
Name: Shri Kunal
Email: js-develop-sports@gov.in
Phone: 011-23387432
Technical Support
Mobile: 8384058103
Email: techsupport-awards@mha.gov.in
Important dates
| Launch / start | 01 Jan 1985 |
|---|
Terms used in this scheme
- Olympian
a sportsperson who participated in the Olympic Games as a Member of Indian Contingent approved by the Government of India.
- Sports Administrator
a person who is engaged in the management/ administration of national/international sports events, and sports organizations including private sports academies, sports programs, and delivery of sports services.
- Sports journalist/expert/commentator
a person who is associated with sports journalism including freelancing in print or electronic media, or a person who writes extensively on sports issues or has written books on sports, or a person who gives live commentary during sports events
Frequently asked questions
Which sports disciplines are covered under the award?
The award covers Olympic sports, Government-recognized non-Olympic sports, and recognized indigenous sports disciplines.
Who can apply for the Dronacharya Award?
Coaches working at the Grassroot, Development, or Elite level, either full-time or part-time, who have produced outstanding results in sports are eligible to apply.
What is the eligibility period for the Regular Dronacharya Award?
Applicants must have demonstrated outstanding coaching achievements during the four years immediately preceding the award year.
What is the Lifetime Contribution category of the award?
This category recognizes coaches who have made significant contributions to coaching and athlete development over a period of 20 years or more.
Can coaches apply directly for the award?
Yes. Eligible coaches can submit their applications directly through the online portal without requiring recommendations from any authority.
Is there any restriction related to doping violations?
Yes. Coaches involved in doping-related violations become eligible only after completion of the prescribed punishment or suspension period, and achievements during that period are not considered.
Are recipients of the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) eligible for the Dronacharya Award?
No. Sportspersons who have already received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime), formerly known as the Dhyan Chand Award, are not eligible for the Dronacharya Award.
What benefits are provided to the awardees?
Awardees receive a statuette, certificate, ceremonial dress, and cash prize. Regular awardees receive Rs. 10 lakh, while Lifetime Contribution awardees receive Rs. 15 lakh.
How many Dronacharya Awards are given each year?
Ordinarily, up to five awards are given annually, including two awards reserved for Lifetime Contribution in Coaching.
When are the Dronacharya Awards usually presented?
The awards are ordinarily conferred by the President of India on National Sports Day, celebrated on 29th August each year.
What documents are required while applying?
Applicants may need to submit proof of age, photograph, signature, vigilance clearance (if applicable), coaching qualifications, details of athletes coached, achievement certificates, and the prescribed undertaking.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
- Guidelines dbtyas-sports.gov.in (PDF)
- Registration / Application Process dbtyas-sports.gov.in (PDF)
- Documents Required dbtyas-sports.gov.in (PDF)
- Helpdesk awards.gov.in
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
The details on this page are from the official listing and have not been rewritten or reviewed by our team yet. Confirm them on the official portal before applying.
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