Criteria for the Dronacharya Award:
- The Dronacharya Award is given to coaches who have contributed to sports for at least 10 years at a national level.
- The coaches should have produced sportspersons who have won medals in major international events, such as Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or other international competitions of equivalent status.
- The contributions of the coaches should have resulted in a consistent and significant improvement in the performance of the sportspersons they have trained.
- The coaches should have a reputation for integrity, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.
Recipients of the Dronacharya Award:
Several renowned sports coaches and mentors have been honored with the Dronacharya Award over the years. Some notable recipients include:
1. O. M. Nambiar: He was awarded the first-ever Dronacharya Award in 1985 for his contributions to athletics.
2. Pullela Gopichand: Former badminton player turned successful coach, Gopichand has played a pivotal role in training many Indian badminton stars, including Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
3. Dr. Bhaskara Rao: Well-known swimming coach, Rao has nurtured several successful swimmers and contributed significantly to the development of Indian swimming.
4. Ramakant Achrekar: The legendary cricket coach who mentored Sachin Tendulkar, Achrekar's outstanding work in cricket coaching earned him the Dronacharya Award.
The Dronacharya Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the dedication and expertise of sports coaches who dedicate their lives to nurturing young talent. It serves as an inspiration to coaches, athletes, and future generations to excel in the world of sports.