Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in Promotion of Sports & Games

Description
The “Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in Promotion of Sports & Games” is a category of award under the “Biju Patnaik Sports Award" Scheme. The scheme was launched by the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha to commemorate the yeoman service of late Biju Patnaik, the ex-Chief Minister of Odisha, towards the development of Sports & Games in the State by conferring the highest honour of the Government of Odisha in the field of Sports in his name. The award is given to the sportspersons who have not only good performances at the National and International levels but also have continued to contribute to the promotion of sports and games in his/her individual capacity even after retirement from an active sporting career. Objective: 1. To encourage the development of Sports and Games in the State. 2. To honour meritorious sportspersons who have made the State Proud. 3. To inspire and motivate young talents to excel in sports and games by emulating the seniors. Sports Discipline: The sports disciplines recognized by the International Olympic Committee I.O.C. , Indian Olympic Association I.O.A. , Government of India G.O.I. , Sports Authority of India S.A.I. and Government of Odisha G.O.O. including Sports Event for Persons with Disability.

Benefits
• The award shall be presented every year subject to the availability of a suitable candidate, which will carry a cash award of ₹3,00,000/-.
• A statue, a scroll of honour, and a blazer with a tie shall be given along with all the Cash Awards.
• The Awardees shall be invited to receive the awards in person. They shall be given T.A. and D.A. at the rate admissible to a Grade 'A' Officer.
• **Note 01:** Canvassing for the award in any form is prohibited.
• **Note 02:** The award can also be given posthumously to the next of kin of the awardee.
• **Note 03:** In case of selection of more than one person for an award, the award money will be shared amongst the awardees.
• **Note 04:** It will not be binding on the Department of Sports & Youth Services to confer the award every year. In case of non-availability of suitable persons for the award, the award shall not be given for the respective year.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a permanent resident of the State of Odisha or shall be staying at least for a period not less than 07 years.
2. To be eligible for this Award, a sportsperson should have not only good performances at the National and International levels but should also have continued to contribute to the promotion of sports and games in his/her individual capacity even after retirement from an active sporting career.
3. The minimum age of the applicant should be 45 years as of 1st January of the year of the Award.
4. The applicant should not have been convicted of any criminal offence.
5. The award will be conferred on a person only once in his/her lifetime, pertaining to the concerned category.
6. Persons found positive for use of drugs/banned substances for performance enhancement, will not be eligible for this Award.
7. **Note:** The award can be given posthumously to the next of kin of the selected sportsperson.
8. > **Annulment Cancellation of Award:**
9. - The Award may be cancelled in case it is found that it has been obtained by fraudulent means.
10. - In such event, the concerned person shall be asked to refund the award failing which steps will be taken to recover the involved cost from him/her with simple interest @ 5% per annum.

Required Documents
• Identity proof
• Three Passport size photographs
• Proof of Residence
• Proof of age
• Performance in detail in the field of Sports & Games in previous years at the State/National/International level supported with photocopies of documents
• Disability Certificate, (If applicable)
• Adequate documentary evidence in support of the claim for the award

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement in Promotion of Sports & Games"?
A: This award is a prestigious award category under the broader "Biju Patnaik Sports Award" Scheme. It is an initiative launched by the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha.

Q: Who is eligible to receive the Award?
A: The award is given to a sportsperson who have not only good performances in National and International levels but also have continued to contribute for promotion of sports and games in his/her individual capacity even after retirement from active sporting career.

Q: How often is the Award presented, and what is the cash award associated with it?
A: The award shall be presented every year subject to the availability of suitable candidates, which will carry a cash award of [?]3,00,000/-.

Q: Besides the cash award, what other recognitions are given to the awardee?
A: In addition to the cash award, the awardee will receive a statue, a scroll of honor, and a blazer with a tie.

Q: Is there any provision for travel and accommodation for the awardees?
A: Yes, awardees will be invited to receive the awards in person, and they shall be provided with Travel Allowance (T.A.) and Daily Allowance (D.A.) at the rate admissible to a Grade 'A' Officer.

Q: Can this Award be awarded posthumously?
A: Yes, the award can be given posthumously, and it will be presented to the next of kin of the awardee.

Q: What happens if there is more than one person selected for an award?
A: In the case of selecting more than one person for an award, the award money will be shared among the awardees.

Q: Is the Department of Sports & Youth Services obligated to confer the award every year?
A: No, it is not binding on the Department of Sports & Youth Services to confer the award every year. In the absence of suitable candidates, the award may not be given for the respective year.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Award?
A: To be eligible for the award, the applicant should be a permanent resident of the State of Odisha or have been staying in the state for a period not less than 07 years.

Q: What is the minimum age requirement for applicants?
A: The minimum age of the applicant should be 45 years as of 1st January of the year in which the award is conferred.

Q: Are there any criminal history restrictions for applicants?
A: Yes, applicants should not have been convicted of any criminal offence to be eligible for the Award.

Q: Can a person receive the award more than once in their lifetime?
A: No, the award will be conferred on a person only once in their lifetime, specifically pertaining to the concerned category.

Q: How to apply for the award under this scheme?
A: Applicants can collect the application form from the specified offices, fill in the necessary details, attach all the required documents (self-attested), and submit the form to the designated authority.