Sports & Awards – Kerala PSC Study Notes
(General Awareness & Current Affairs – 2026)
1. Simple Explanation
Sports are organized physical activities that test skill, strength, endurance, and teamwork. They are a major part of Indian culture and the national identity.
Awards are formal recognitions given by the Government, sports bodies, or international organisations to honour athletes, coaches, and contributors who have achieved excellence, displayed sportsmanship, or promoted the sport.
2. Key Points
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Sports in India | Cricket, Field Hockey, Badminton, Wrestling, Boxing, Athletics, Football, Shooting, Table Tennis, Tennis, Kabaddi, Hockey, etc. |
| Key International Events | <ul><li>Olympic Games – Summer & Winter (every 4 yrs)</li><li>Commonwealth Games – every 4 yrs</li><li>Asian Games – every 4 yrs</li><li>World Cups (Cricket, Hockey, Rugby, etc.)</li><li>World Athletics Championships, World Badminton Championships, etc.</li></ul> |
| Important National Events | Indian National Games, National Games of India (formerly Indian Sports Games), Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, etc. |
| Popular Sports in Kerala | Football (Kerala Premier League), Cricket (Kerala Blasters FC), Badminton, Shooting (Nehru Stadium), Athletics (Kuttanad sprint), Water sports (kayak, rowing). |
| National Sports Awards (India) | 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna – Highest sporting honour. 2. Arjuna Award – For consistent performance. 3. Dronacharya Award – For coaching excellence. 4. Bharat Gaurav Award – Sports personalities. 5. Dhyan Chand Award – Lifetime contribution. |
| Criteria for Major Awards | - Khel Ratna: Outstanding performance, consistency, and discipline over 4 years. - Arjuna: Performance over 4 years, leadership, sportsmanship. - Dronacharya: Coaching results, innovation, and mentorship. |
| Recent Awardees (2022‑2024) | - Khel Ratna: Ravi Kumar Dahiya (2022), Rohan Bopanna (2023), Mirabai Chanu (2024). - Arjuna: Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Mithali Raj, etc. - Dronacharya: Subramaniam Sathuranga (2023). |
| International Awards | - World Sports Award (World Athletics), World Badminton Federation Awards, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Order. |
| Kerala Specific Awards | - Kerala State Sports Award (given by the State Sports Council). - Kerala Sports Excellence Award (recognises coaches & athletes). |
3. Worked Example
Exam Question (Sample)
“Explain the significance of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award and name at least three recent recipients.”
Sample Answer
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honour conferred by the Government of India on athletes who have demonstrated outstanding performance and consistent excellence at the international level for a period of four years.
Significance:
- It recognises not just a single achievement but sustained excellence and discipline.
- It serves as a motivation for young athletes to pursue sports professionally.
- The award brings national pride, enhances the athlete’s public image, and often leads to financial incentives and government support.
Recent Recipients (as of 2024):
- Rohan Bopanna (2023) – Indian tennis player, Grand Slam doubles champion.
- Mirabai Chanu (2024) – Weightlifter, Olympic silver medalist (2020).
- Ravi Kumar Dahiya (2022) – Wrestler, Olympic bronze medalist (2020).
Conclusion: The Khel Ratna not only celebrates athletic excellence but also encourages the growth of sports culture in India, inspiring future generations to achieve greatness.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Revision Note |
|---|---|
| Sports | Cricket, Badminton, Wrestling, Athletics, Hockey, Football – major sports in India. |
| Olympics | Summer Games every 4 yrs; Winter Games separate; India’s best performance: 2020 Tokyo (2 bronze). |
| Commonwealth & Asian Games | India topped medal tally in 2022 Commonwealth Games (London); Asian Games 2022 (Hangzhou) – 18 golds. |
| Major Awards | *Khel Ratna – highest; Arjuna – second; D |