President Ram Nath Kovind presented the National Sports Awards 2021 at an event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, veteran woman cricketer Mithali Raj and history-making Paralympic stars received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, which was among the first awards handed out. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award will be given to 12 sportspersons including Neeraj Chopra (Athletics), Ravi Kumar (Wrestling), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sreejesh P.R (Hockey), Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting), Sumit Antil (Para-Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton), Krishna Nagar (Para Badminton), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting), Mithali Raj (Cricket), Sunil Chhetri (Football), and Manpreet Singh (Hockey). In a glittering function organised at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President recognised the country's unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic performances.