By Biswamoy Mukherjee
The year 2018 has turned out to be a watershed in India in terms of achievements in the sports arena. In a year that saw several young sportspersons emerge during two of the biggest multi-sport, multi-country events in the world also saw India captain Virat Kohli reaching greater heights, and MC Mary Kom creating history at 35 years of age.
All through the year, India remained in the news for its achievements in sports ranging from Table Tennis to Athletics.
President Ram Nath Kovind conferred National Sports & Adventure Awards 2018 in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on September 25.
In National Sports Awards category, the most prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was conferred to S. Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting) and Virat Kohli (Cricket) while Dronacharya Award, Arjuna Award and Dhyan Chand Award were conferred to 32 sportspersons/coaches in various disciplines.
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award was conferred to 10 persons in categories of Land Adventure, Water Adventure and one award to Life Time Achievement category. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy was conferred to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar was conferred to three entities namely Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in Identification and Nurturing of Budding & Young Talent category, JSW Steel in Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility and Isha Foundation in category of Sports for Development.
India recorded its best ever performance this year in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games with 66 Medals, Jakarta Asian Games with 69 Medals and Para Asian Games with 72 Medals.
India competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from April 4 to 15. It was India’s 18th appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
With 26 Gold medals and a total of 66 medals (26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze), India finished 3rd for the tournament. It was India’s best position since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. (UNI)
