Olympics winners to be automatically shortlisted for Arjuna Awards

NEW DELHI: The last couple of years have seen sports apart from cricket gaining popularity amongst viewers. Continuing with the trend, now winners of medals in Olympics and Paralympics will automatically be considered for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award.

However, it will depend on the type of medal won and if they have already not been conferred with either of the two awards.

In the rules finalised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry for giving Arjuna Award to the sportspersons from 2014 onwards, for cricket and indigenous games not  included in Olympic / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games disciplines, the Selection Committee will recommend the number of awards, (not exceeding two),  to be given for Cricket/indigenous games and recommend the sportspersons taking into consideration their individuals performances and qualities of sportsman spirit, leadership, sense of discipline etc.

Ninety per cent weightage will be given for the medals won in various international championships and sports events of the disciplines covered in Olympic Games (Summer, Winter and Paralympics), Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.