Medal winners at Rio Olympics to be considered for this year's Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award

Athletes who win medals for India at the Rio Olympic Games later this year won't have a wait another year to be considered for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna or the Arjuna Award, the Sports Ministry said on 24 May.

While individual medal winners will be eligible for the Khel Ratna award - India's most prestigious award for excellence in sports - athletes who perform well in team events and help the country win laurels, will be considered for this year's Arjuna Award as well.

"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," the Ministry was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Khel Ratna award carries a cash prize of Rs. 7.5 lakh, while the Arjuna Award winners are conferred with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.