Odisha Mining Corporation To receive Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023

New Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced the recipients of the ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ for the year 2023. Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) while has been chosen in the category ‘Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility’, Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru has been selected on ‘Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent’ ground.   

The distinguished awardees are scheduled to be awarded by the President of India at a specially organized event at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, 2024.

The ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ is dedicated to recognizing corporate entities from both the private and public sectors, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National levels that have demonstrated a significant commitment to sports promotion and development.

The application process was conducted online, allowing sportspersons, coaches, and entities to apply through a dedicated Online Portal. The response was overwhelming, with a substantial number of applications and nominations received in 2023. These were meticulously reviewed by the Selection Committee led by Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Government of India. The committee comprised members from previous awardees, industry associations, sports journalists, experts, commentators, the Secretary (Sports) of State Government, the Indian Olympic Association, and non-governmental organizations actively involved in sports.

The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is one of the six core awards constituting India’s National Sports Awards, alongside the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (Khel Ratna), the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA Trophy). The awards play a pivotal role in acknowledging and celebrating outstanding contributions to the field of sports in the country.