In a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Arjuna Award upon para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar, who hails from Reasi district, is the third para-archer to receive this prestigious award, and his exceptional performance in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo made him a top contender. He represented India at the Paralympics and has a world ranking of No. 1 in compound archery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have both congratulated Kumar on his achievement.
Arjuna Award: Celebrating Excellence in Indian Sports
Background
The Arjuna Award is the second-highest sporting honor in India, after the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Established in 1961, it is presented annually to outstanding sportspersons in recognition of their exceptional performances and contributions to their respective sports. The award consists of a bronze statuette of Arjuna, the mythical warrior from the Mahabharata epic, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakhs.
Recent Achievement: Para-Archer Rakesh Kumar
On March 7, 2023, para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award by President Droupadi Murmu. Kumar, a native of Reasi district, became the third para-archer to receive the award. His exceptional performance at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, where he represented India and secured a World No. 1 ranking in compound archery, made him a deserving recipient.
Selection Process
The Arjuna Award recipients are selected by a committee comprising eminent sportspersons, administrators, and journalists. The selection criteria include:
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: Who is Arjuna? A: Arjuna is a mythical warrior from the Mahabharata epic, renowned for his archery skills.
Q2: What is the purpose of the Arjuna Award? A: The Arjuna Award recognizes and rewards outstanding sportspersons in India for their exceptional achievements.
Q3: Who can receive the Arjuna Award? A: Indian sportspersons who have excelled in their respective fields at the national and international levels.
Q4: Who has won the Arjuna Award in the past? A: Notable past recipients include Sachin Tendulkar (cricket), P.T. Usha (track and field), Vishwanathan Anand (chess), and Mary Kom (boxing).
Q5: What is the significance of the Arjuna Award? A: The Arjuna Award is considered a prestigious honor that recognizes the dedication, hard work, and achievements of Indian sportspersons. It serves as an inspiration to young athletes and promotes the development of sports in the country.
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