The Khel Ratna award was instituted in 1991-1992. This annual award is given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The award comprises of a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs-7.5 lakhs. A sportsperson is/are awarded the Khel Ratna for their spectacular performance in the field of sports over a period of four years immediately preceding the year during which award is to be given shall be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for excellence in Sports and Games at international level. The nominations for the Award are invited by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from all recognized National Sports Federations recognized by the Government of India, Indian Olympic Association, Sports Promotion and Control Boards and State and Union Territories. The National Sports Federations recognized by the Government of India may nominate two names in a particular sport in a particular year. In case of cricket, which has no National Sports Federation, the nominations from the Board for Control of Cricket in India are invited. The Screening Committee consisting of Joint Secretary, Sports, Department of Sports, Secretary, Sports Authority of India, Director, Sports/Deputy Secretary, Sports, Department of Sports and Executive Director.
THE SELECTION COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERS
CHAIRPERSON-Nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Sportspersons of eminence and sports administrator.
Sports journalist and experts.
Joint Secretary of Sports.
Chief Executive Officer, Olympic Podium Secretariat, Executive Director of Sports Authority of India.