Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is a national sports award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognise institutions and organisations that have contributed to the promotion and development of sports in India.
It is different from awards like the Arjuna Award or Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, which are given to individual sportspersons. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is mainly for organisations, institutions, corporates, NGOs, sports bodies and other entities that support sports development.
Objective and Eligibility
The award was introduced to encourage non-government and institutional participation in sports promotion.
It is given to entities that have played a visible role in areas such as talent identification, sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, corporate support and sports-based development.
Eligible entities include:
- corporate bodies
- public sector undertakings
- private sector organisations
- NGOs
- sports control boards
- educational institutions
- sports bodies at state or national level
The Ministry states that the award is given to corporate entities, sports control boards, NGOs and sports bodies that have contributed to sports promotion and development.
Award Categories
The award is given under four major categories.
Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent covers institutions that identify young sportspersons and support their training.
Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility recognises companies or organisations using CSR funds or institutional resources for sports development.
Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures recognises organisations that provide jobs, welfare support or security to athletes.
Sports for Development recognises the use of sports for social change, inclusion, education, health, community development or youth empowerment. The official scheme guidelines list these four categories.
Significance
The award is important because sports development cannot depend only on government schemes. India needs schools, universities, PSUs, private companies, NGOs and sports foundations to support training, competitions, infrastructure and athlete welfare.
It encourages a wider sports ecosystem by recognising those who invest in sports beyond elite performance.
Its importance lies in three areas.
First, it promotes grassroots talent identification. Many athletes need early support before they reach national-level systems.
Second, it encourages corporate and institutional investment in sports through CSR and sports academies.
Third, it recognises sports as a tool for social development, not only medals and competitions.
Conclusion
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is a national award for organisations that promote sports in India.
Its importance lies in recognising the ecosystem behind athletes: talent scouts, institutions, employers, CSR funders, NGOs, sports bodies and community organisations.
The award supports the idea that India’s sports development needs not only individual excellence, but also strong institutional backing.
