1
In which year was the Arjuna Award officially instituted by the Government of India?
🏆 Medium Arjuna Award
Arjuna Award
50 Questions Awards & Honours
This quiz covers the history, criteria, and notable facts regarding the prestigious Arjuna Award conferred for excellence in Indian sports.
2
The Arjuna Award is named after Arjuna, a character from which ancient Indian epic?
3
Which Ministry confers the Arjuna Award annually?
4
Which of the following is presented to the recipient of the Arjuna Award?
5
Who was the first recipient of the Arjuna Award in the sport of Cricket?
6
What is the primary eligibility criteria for a sportsperson to be nominated for the Arjuna Award?
7
Which award is considered the 'highest sporting honour' in India, to which the Arjuna Award serves as a secondary recognition of excellence?
8
Who was the first woman to receive the Arjuna Award?
9
In the history of the Arjuna Award, what is the significance of the year 2020?
10
Which of the following awards is specifically for coaches, contrasting with the athlete-focused Arjuna Award?
11
Can a sportsperson who has already received the Khel Ratna also be eligible for the Arjuna Award?
12
Which of these sports does NOT have a history of Arjuna Award recipients?
13
In which city is the award ceremony for the Arjuna Award traditionally held?
14
What is the typical time frame considered for evaluating the 'performance' of an athlete for the Arjuna Award?
15
Which athlete is famously known as the 'Payyoli Express' and was an Arjuna Award recipient in 1983?
16
Which of the following is true regarding the Arjuna Award cash component?
17
Arjuna Award recipients are selected by a committee headed by:
18
Which sportsperson received the Arjuna Award in 2003 for Chess?
19
Is the Arjuna Award restricted only to Olympic sports?
20
The 'Major Dhyan Chand Award' is distinct from the Arjuna Award because it is primarily given for:
21
What is the cash prize amount currently awarded to the recipient of the Arjuna Award?
22
Which material is used to make the statuette given to the Arjuna Award winners?
23
The Arjuna Award is formally presented to the awardees by whom?
24
Which of the following conditions is mandatory for an athlete to be eligible for the Arjuna Award?
25
Who was the first recipient of the Arjuna Award in the sport of Athletics?
26
Which of these is a recognized discipline under the Arjuna Award categories for athletes with disabilities?
27
Which legendary boxer was the first from his sport to be conferred the Arjuna Award in 1961?
28
How many athletes can theoretically receive the Arjuna Award in a single year, based on current government guidelines?
29
In which month is the National Sports Awards ceremony usually organized in India?
30
Who among the following was the first recipient of the Arjuna Award in the sport of Hockey?
31
The Arjuna Award is specifically meant for which category of participants?
32
Which of these sports bodies facilitates the nomination process for the Arjuna Award?
33
What is the age criteria for the nomination of a sportsperson for the Arjuna Award?
34
Which award is meant to recognize 'Life-time achievement' in sports, distinct from the Arjuna Award?
35
Who was the first Indian woman to win the Arjuna Award in the sport of Badminton?
36
What happens if a sportsperson is found guilty of a doping offence before the award presentation?
37
Which of these sports had the highest number of inaugural Arjuna Award recipients in 1961?
38
Is the Arjuna Award open to sportspersons who represent India in non-Olympic sports like Chess?
39
What is the primary objective of the Arjuna Award?
40
Which legendary Indian cricketer was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1972?
41
The Arjuna Award statuette features a bronze figure of Arjuna. What is he depicted doing?
42
Which of the following is a mandatory period of 'consistent performance' required for an athlete to be eligible for the Arjuna Award?
43
Who chairs the Selection Committee that recommends the list of sportspersons for the Arjuna Award to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports?
44
Which of these prestigious sports awards was established by the Government of India in 1991-92, often seen as a step above the Arjuna Award in the hierarchy of national honours?
45
In the inaugural year of 1961, how many total sportspersons were awarded the Arjuna Award across various disciplines?
46
The Arjuna Award includes a cash prize of Rs. 15 Lakh. Which other item is included as part of the official award kit?
47
Which specific category of the Arjuna Award selection process involves the 'Points System' based on the importance of the sporting event (e.g., Olympics vs. Commonwealth)?
48
Which legendary Indian athlete, known as the 'Flying Sikh', was notably NOT a recipient of the Arjuna Award as he was considered above the level of the award in his prime?
49
What is the primary purpose of the 'Dronacharya Award' which is often confused with the Arjuna Award?
50
Which of these events is NOT traditionally considered for the Arjuna Award evaluation?
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Important Notes — Arjuna Award
Overview and Significance of the Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award, officially known as the Arjuna Awards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games, is one of India's most prestigious sporting honors. It is conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, to recognize consistent excellence, leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline displayed by athletes over a period of four years at the international level.
It is the second-highest sporting honor in India, following the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The award is named after Arjuna, the legendary archer from the Indian epic *Mahabharata*, symbolizing focus, dedication, and precision.
Key Facts and Selection Criteria
History and Evolution
- Established: The award was instituted in 1961.
- First Recipients: It was first presented to 20 sportspersons in various disciplines in 1961.
- Symbol: Recipients receive a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
Selection Process
- The selection is made by a National Sports Awards Committee constituted by the Ministry.
- Nominations are typically submitted by National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, and other authorized bodies.
- While the award is generally given for the performance of the preceding four years, it also considers the overall contribution to the sport.
- Athletes from various disciplines, including Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, are eligible.
Frequently Asked Exam Points
- First Woman Recipient: Hockey player Anna Lumsden was one of the recipients in 1961.
- Lifetime Achievement: Note that the Dhyan Chand Award is distinct from the Arjuna Award, as the latter recognizes current active performance.
- Recurring Winners: An athlete is generally eligible for the award only once in their lifetime, though exceptions exist under specific guidelines.
- Ceremony: The awards are traditionally presented by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on National Sports Day (August 29th), which marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Important Exam Context for UPSC and SSC
Candidates preparing for competitive exams should focus on the following trends:
- Current Affairs Integration: Always keep track of the most recent list of awardees. UPSC often asks questions regarding the "first" winners in a specific newly introduced sport or the inclusion of Para-athletes.
- Static GK: Remember that the Arjuna Award is not limited to Olympic sports; it recognizes excellence in indigenous sports as well.
- Criteria Shifts: Be aware that the criteria were revised in 2014 and 2016 to ensure better transparency and recognition of athletes from different regions and marginalized backgrounds.
- Terminology: Differentiate clearly between the Arjuna Award (performance-based) and the Dronacharya Award (awarded to coaches).
