Arjuna Award — Set 1
Awards & Honors · अर्जुन पुरस्कार · Questions 1–10 of 70
In which year was the Arjuna Award instituted by the Government of India?
Correct Answer: A. 1961
The Arjuna Award was established in 1961 to recognize outstanding achievement in National sports. It was the highest sporting honor in India before the introduction of the Khel Ratna. The award is named after Arjuna, a character from the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.
Who was the first woman to be honored with the Arjuna Award in the field of Athletics?
Correct Answer: C. Stephanie D'Souza
Stephanie D'Souza received the Arjuna Award in 1961 for her exceptional performance in athletics. She was part of the first-ever batch of sportspersons to receive this honor. She represented India in both Athletics and Hockey.
The Arjuna Award carries a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a cash prize of how many rupees as per the latest revisions?
Correct Answer: C. 15 Lakh
The cash prize for the Arjuna Award was increased to 15 lakh rupees in the year 2020. Previously, the amount offered to the winners was 5 lakh rupees. Along with the money, winners receive a scroll and a ceremonial dress.
Which ministry is responsible for selecting and conferring the Arjuna Awards?
Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports manages the selection process through a specialized committee. The awards are generally presented by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This ministry also oversees the Dronacharya and Khel Ratna awards.
Who was the first cricketer to receive the Arjuna Award?
Correct Answer: D. Salim Durani
Salim Durani was the first cricketer to be honored with the Arjuna Award in 1961. He was a popular all-rounder known for his ability to hit sixes on public demand. This was part of the inaugural year of the award's institution.
In which month are the National Sports Awards, including the Arjuna Award, usually presented?
Correct Answer: D. August
The awards are traditionally presented on August 29th to coincide with National Sports Day. This date marks the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Sometimes the dates are shifted due to major international sports events.
To be eligible for the Arjuna Award, a sportsperson should have shown good performance for the previous how many years at the international level?
Correct Answer: C. Four
The current criteria require consistent high performance over the previous four years. Besides performance, the athlete must also show qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline. The performance during the year of the award is also taken into account.
Who was the first footballer to be honored with the Arjuna Award?
Correct Answer: D. P.K. Banerjee
P.K. Banerjee was the inaugural recipient for Football in 1961. He was a legendary striker who led the Indian team to gold at the 1962 Asian Games. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time.
Which legendary archer was among the first recipients of the Arjuna Award in 1961?
Correct Answer: D. Krishna Das
Krishna Das was the first archer to receive the Arjuna Award when it was introduced. Archery is one of the many traditional sports recognized under this scheme. Professional archers from India have since gained global prominence in Olympic events.
How many sportspersons were honored in the first batch of Arjuna Awards in 1961?
Correct Answer: C. 20
Exactly 20 athletes from various disciplines were selected for the inaugural Arjuna Awards in 1961. This diverse group represented sports ranging from Badminton to Weightlifting. It set the precedent for recognizing excellence across multiple sporting categories.