Sports Ministry to consider Suo Moto Medal winners of Rio Olympics for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016 and Arjuna Awards 2016 The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has decided in relaxation of provisions of the Schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to consider suo moto medal winners in individual events in Rio Olympics 2016, who have already not been conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in the past for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016. Medal winners in team events, who have played stellar roles in the medal won by the team for the country in Rio Olympics 2016 such as number of goals scored, number of goals saved etc., and who have already not been conferred with Arjuna Award in the past will be considered for Arjuna Awards 2016 in relaxation of provisions of the scheme of Arjuna Awards. Medal winners of Rio Olympics 2016 will be considered for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016 and Arjuna Awards 2016 so that they need not wait for one full year after their medal winning performance at Rio Olympics 2016. As per the existing provisions of the Schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, sports achievements of the sportspersons for the last four years preceding the year of award, i.e., sports achievements during the period 2011 to 2015 are to be considered.
