The Dronacharya Award is India’s most prestigious recognition for sports coaching, presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.  Instituted to honour coaches who have demonstrated outstanding expertise, dedication and consistent excellence.  

In India, the Dronacharya Award is given to coaches as recognition for their contribution to a particular sport or for their role in an athlete’s rise to the top. 

Coaches who have trained athletes to achieve distinction at the international events (Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Game) are eligible for this award 

It carries cash price (a ₹10 lakh for regular category and ₹15 lakh for lifetime category), a plaque, and a scroll of honor. 

The Dronacharya Award is conferred every year on National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. It is presented alongside other major national sports honors, including the Arjuna Award. 

The awardees are decided by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS).  

The nominations for the award are submitted by;  

The National Sports Federations 

The Indian Olympic Association 

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) 

State and Union Territory Governments. 

2024 Recipients (Regular) are Subhash Rana (Para-shooting), Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), and Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey). 

A maximum of five Dronacharya Awards, including two for lifetime contributions, are given in a year. 

Please visit following URL and contact local department of sports for more information 

References - Dronacharya Award: Why is it given and who was the first recipient? 

DRONACHARYA AWARD | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Government of India 

If you have latest status, additional information, experience or suggestions for this scheme then please add comments below with more information. 

Disclaimer – The information provided here is sourced from official government websites and is intended for general reference only. We will continue to consult relevant authorities and qualified professionals and update this page as new information becomes available.