The Arjuna Awards are given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognise outstanding achievement in sports and games. It was instituted in ______.

1961

The correct answer is Option (2) - 1961

The Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

The Arjuna Awards are one of the highest honors bestowed upon athletes in India. They are conferred to recognize outstanding achievement in sports and games. The award aims to encourage excellence in sports, motivate athletes to strive for higher performance, and provide recognition and prestige to deserving individuals in the field of sports. The award is named after Arjuna, a legendary warrior prince from the Hindu epic Mahabharata known for his exceptional skill in archery and martial arts. The name "Arjuna" symbolizes excellence, dedication, and prowess in sports, reflecting the qualities that the award seeks to honor and celebrate.

The selection process for the Arjuna Awards involves a thorough evaluation of an athlete's performance, achievements, and contributions to their respective sport. Recipients are chosen based on their consistent performance at the national and international levels, as well as their sportsmanship and adherence to the principles of fair play. The Arjuna Awards are given across various sports disciplines, covering both individual and team sports. Athletes from a diverse range of sports, including athletics, cricket, hockey, badminton, wrestling, boxing, and others, are eligible for the award. The Arjuna Awards are highly prestigious and widely recognized in the Indian sporting community. They serve as a testament to an athlete's dedication, hard work, and talent, and receiving the award is considered a significant milestone in an athlete's career.

Overall, the institution of the Arjuna Awards in 1961 marked a significant step towards recognizing and honoring excellence in sports in India. Since its inception, the award has played a crucial role in promoting sportsmanship, fostering talent development, and inspiring the next generation of athletes to excel in their chosen sports.