(a) The Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961 by the government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in National sports. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 500,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll.
Over the years the scope of the award has been expanded and a large number of sports persons who belonged to the pre-Arjun Award era were also included in the list. Further, the number of disciplines for which the award is given was increased to include indigenous games and the physically handicapped category.

(b) Rules of Arjun Award : Following are the rules for Arjuna Awards :

1. Its main aim is to ameliorate the standard of sports in the country.
2. The Government of India demands the list of sports persons from National Sports Federations which are recognised by the Government of India. This list is submitted every year on a fixed date.
3. Generally this award is given to one player of a game but this can be given to a female player of the same game.
4. The fixed date can be extended by the Government of India.
5. The Government of India forms a special committee which vividly inspects the list of players already sent by various federations of sports. After proper inspection, the special committee sends this list to the Government of India.
6. If the Government of India does not receive any list from Sports Federations
   in any year, then it may award any specific player for that year.
7. Any sports federation can send a list of three players to the Government of India. Though Government of India gives award to only one player but in case of a female, she can also be awarded. So maximum two players i.e. one male and one female can be selected for the award from a game.
8. The final decision regarding Arjuna Award lies in the hands of the Government of India. The Government of India decides the date and venue for the presentation of Arjuna Award.
9. Arjuna award cannot be presented to a player, second time.
10. Arjuna award can be given posthumously.
11. The Government of India can nullify the award of any sportsperson.
12. The decision of the Government of India is last and final regarding these rules. There cannot be any hearing about such cases.
13. The individual, whose name is recom mended for the Arjuna Award, should obey these rules.