What are criteria for National sports awards in India?

To avoid controversies for the selection of sportspersons for the National sports awards, the Union Sports Ministry in January 2014 had finalized a new set of criteria to make the selection process more transparent. The new guidelines are –

• 90% weightage will be given to medal winners in various international championships and sports events that are part of the Olympics (summer, winter and Paralympics), Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
• Medal winners in the Olympics and Paralympics will automatically be considered for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna or Arjuna awards (depending on the type of medal won).
• For cricket and indigenous games, which are not included in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games; the selection committee will recommend the number of awards (not exceeding two).