#3 Dhyan Chand Award
Dhyan Chand awards were started in the year 2002 and is nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games. The award is named after ‘the wizard’ Major Dhyan Chand. who played his final international match in 1948. He scored more than 400 goals during his international career.
The receipent of this award gets a cash prize of Rs. 500,000, a statuette, blazer and a scroll of honour. This award can also be given to individuals or the NGOs, who have played a role in the growth of sports in the country.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports received nominations from various organisations along with their past playing and coaching record. A committee of 9 members includes one chairperson and other sportspersons.
FACTS
First three persons to receive Dhyan Chand award – Aparna Ghosh(basketball), Ashok Diwan(hockey) and Shahuraj Birajjdar(boxing).
Latest to win this award(2014)- Zeeshan Ali (tennis), Gurmail Singh(hockey) and K.P Thakkar(swimming and diving).