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Dronacharya Award

50 Questions Awards & Honours

This quiz covers the foundational facts, history, and criteria of the Dronacharya Award, a premier sports coaching honour in India.

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1

The Dronacharya Award is presented to individuals in which specific field of sports?

2

In which year was the Dronacharya Award instituted by the Government of India?

3

Who was the first recipient of the Dronacharya Award (along with O.M. Nambiar and Om Prakash Bhardwaj) in 1985?

4

The Dronacharya Award is officially titled 'Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games' and is given by which ministry?

5

Which mythological figure does the Dronacharya Award statuette depict?

6

The Dronacharya Award is currently presented in two categories. Which are they?

7

Which of the following components is NOT included in the Dronacharya Award?

8

For a coach to be eligible for the 'Regular' Dronacharya Award, what is the minimum criteria regarding athlete performance?

9

Which coach is famous for winning the Dronacharya Award in 2009 for the sport of Badminton, later known for training Saina Nehwal?

10

Is the Dronacharya Award given posthumously?

11

Which renowned boxing coach, known for his work with Indian Olympic boxers, received the Dronacharya Award in 2002?

12

What is the primary difference between the Dronacharya Award and the Dhyan Chand Award?

13

The Dronacharya Award is usually presented on which day by the President of India?

14

Who was the first woman coach to receive the Dronacharya Award?

15

What is the cash prize for the 'Lifetime' category of the Dronacharya Award?

16

Which of these sports legends did NOT win the Dronacharya Award?

17

Which sport does the 2004 Dronacharya awardee Sunita Sharma represent?

18

The nomination for the Dronacharya Award is invited by the Ministry of Sports from which of the following?

19

Which year saw the highest number of coaches receiving the Dronacharya Award in a single ceremony, highlighting the expansion of the award?

20

To qualify for the Lifetime Dronacharya Award, a coach must have contributed to sports for at least how many years?

21

Which specific mythological attribute is traditionally associated with the Dronacharya statuette presented to awardees?

22

Apart from the bronze statuette and a scroll, what is the monetary component currently associated with the 'Regular' category of the Dronacharya Award?

23

The Dronacharya Award is presented annually on which iconic date in India's sporting calendar?

24

For the 'Lifetime' category of the Dronacharya Award, what is the minimum duration of contribution to sports coaching required from a candidate?

25

Which legendary cricket coach, known for grooming several international players including Sachin Tendulkar, received the Dronacharya Award in 1987?

26

How many coaches are typically permitted to be nominated for the Dronacharya Award by a single National Sports Federation (NSF) in one year?

27

Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the final selection of the Dronacharya Award recipients?

28

Who was the first wrestling coach to be honoured with the Dronacharya Award in 1985?

29

Which of these is a mandatory requirement for a coach to be considered for the 'Regular' Dronacharya Award?

30

Which famous athletics coach, known for training P.T. Usha, was one of the inaugural winners of the Dronacharya Award?

31

The Dronacharya Award process excludes which category of individuals from nomination?

32

In the context of the Dronacharya Award, what does the 'Regular' category specifically reward?

33

Which of the following sports was NOT represented by the inaugural recipients of the Dronacharya Award in 1985?

34

Which prestigious award, distinct from the Dronacharya Award, is given to sportspersons for their lifetime achievement in the field of sports?

35

Which legendary hockey coach, known for his association with the Indian national team, was a recipient of the Dronacharya Award in 2000?

36

What is the primary objective of the Dronacharya Award as per the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports?

37

Which of the following is true regarding the eligibility of self-nominations for the Dronacharya Award?

38

In which sport did the veteran coach Desh Prem Azad earn the Dronacharya Award in 1986?

39

The Dronacharya Award statuette is made of which material?

40

Which state/body is primarily responsible for forwarding nominations for the Dronacharya Award to the Union Ministry of Sports?

41

Which specific committee is responsible for scrutinizing and recommending the names of coaches for the Dronacharya Award to the Ministry?

42

The Dronacharya Award statuette is cast in which specific metallic element?

43

For the 'Regular' Dronacharya Award, the period for which the performance of the athlete is considered is usually the last how many years?

44

Which of the following entities is NOT permitted to nominate a coach for the Dronacharya Award?

45

The inaugural Dronacharya Award ceremony in 1985 honored three coaches. Which sport was NOT among those represented by the winners?

46

Which coach was the first recipient of the Dronacharya Award in the discipline of Archery (awarded in 2005)?

47

What is the primary condition for a coach to be nominated for the 'Lifetime' Dronacharya Award regarding their career span?

48

Which legendary football coach was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2002 for his immense contribution to Indian football?

49

Under the current rules, can a coach who has previously received the Dhyan Chand Award be considered for the Dronacharya Award?

50

Which of these prestigious awards is considered the highest sporting honor in India, distinct from the coaching-focused Dronacharya Award?

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Important Notes — Dronacharya Award

Overview and Historical Context

The Dronacharya Award, officially known as the Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games, is the highest sporting honor for coaches in India. It is presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The award is named after Dronacharya, the legendary guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the epic *Mahabharata*, symbolizing the ideal relationship between a mentor and a disciple.

  • Established: 1985.
  • First Recipients: Bhalchandra Bhaskar Bhagwat (Wrestling), Om Nambiar (Athletics), and O. M. Nambiar (Athletics).
  • Purpose: To recognize and reward excellence, dedication, and outstanding work done by coaches in enabling sportspersons to excel in international events.

Award Categories and Selection Criteria

The award is currently conferred in two categories to ensure fair recognition across different experience levels:

1. Regular Category

  • Eligibility: Coaches who have produced medal winners at prestigious international sports events over the preceding four years.
  • Reward: A cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, and a certificate.

2. Lifetime Category

  • Eligibility: Coaches who have made a significant contribution to sports development over a period of 20 years or more.
  • Reward: A cash prize of ₹15 lakh, a bronze statuette, and a certificate.

Key Selection Process

  • Nominations are invited by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
  • A Selection Committee—typically consisting of former Olympians, sports administrators, and sports journalists—is constituted by the Ministry to scrutinize and recommend the names.
  • The awards are ceremonially presented by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually on National Sports Day (August 29), which commemorates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.

Exam-Oriented Quick Facts (For UPSC/SSC/GK)

To excel in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or state-level PSCs, memorize these high-yield facts:

  • Ministry: Administered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
  • Relationship: It is considered the coaching equivalent of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (formerly Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna).
  • First Woman Winner: Renu Kohli (Athletics) was among the early recipients to break gender barriers in 2002.
  • Recent Trends: The award is no longer limited to Olympic sports; coaches in para-sports and traditional Indian games are also eligible if they meet the international performance benchmarks.
  • Frequency: The award is given annually, though in some years, it may not be awarded if the Selection Committee finds no suitable candidates.
  • Criteria Focus: The performance of the sportsperson coached by the nominee at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships remains the primary metric for selection.

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