Deadline for the submission of applications for National Sports Awards has been extended by the ministry. The applicants can submit their applications online and self-nominate for a second year running in the wake of the pandemic.

Earlier the last date for submission of applications was June 21 which has been extended by a week to June 28.  On 20th May, the Sports Ministry had invited applications for the national sports awards allowing eligible coaches, athletes, universities and other entities to self-nominate by applying online. This was done in the wake of the pandemic which has restricted movements of the public due to the lockdown.

Until 2019, recommendations were needed for the applicants to be able to apply but this condition was waived off in 2020 due to covid. Now the applicants have been given the provision to self-nominate and apply for the awards.

It has also been informed that the prize money was also raised with the Khel Ratna awardees receiving 25 lakh rupees, 15 lakh rupees for Arjun awardees, 15 lakh rupees for Dronacharya and 10 lakh rupees for the Dhyanchand awardees.