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COVER STORY: ARJUNA AWARD
5 WAYS IN WHICH THE ARJUNA AWARDS ARE COMPROMISED
 1
WHAT THE RULES SAY: The Arjuna Awards are given every year for
"outstanding" performance in sports and games, the object being
the development of sport in India.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS: No distinction is made between results at
national and international levels.
 2
WHAT THE RULES SAY: Ordinarily, not more than one award
will be given in each sport, the only exception being an award given to
a woman athlete in the same sport.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS: Hockey and athletics rule. Six hockey players,
four athletes awarded in 2000.
 3
WHAT THE RULES SAY: Canvassing in any form in respect
of an entry will render that entry open to disqualification. The government
may cancel or annul an award given.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS: Under the euphemism of recommendations, hectic
political lobbying ensures an award.
 4
WHAT THE RULES SAY: To be eligible, an athlete should
have had three years' good performance and should also display discipline,
leadership and sportsmanship.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS: Federations punish outspoken athletes by never
recommending them for the award.
 5
WHAT THE RULES SAY: The decision of the government of
India in respect of the interpretation of the rules shall be final and
no appeal shall hold against them.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS: Athletes go to court, sit in dharnas, appeal
to their MPs if rejected, and re-apply.
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