Khel Ratna Award: Centre Directed to Frame Criteria to Consider Deaf Sportspersons

In a petition seeking parity between deaf and para sportspersons, the Delhi High Court directed the centre to consider framing an appropriate criterion for considering the conferment of India’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, to deaf sportspersons.[1]

Upon a perusal of the criteria for the award’s conferment, the Court noted that there was no scope for deaf sportspersons to even apply or be considered. It found merit in the contention that the criteria discriminated against deaf sportspersons vis-à-vis para sportspersons.

The Court added that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, read with Schedule thereto, left no scope for discrimination between persons having hearing impairment vis-à-vis those having physical/locomotor disability.

With this, the Court directed the centre to expeditiously frame an appropriate criterion for considering the conferment of the Khel Ratna Award to deaf sportspersons, and suitably extend the deadline for submission of applications.

In compliance with the order, the Department of Sports extended the deadline for submission of applications for deaf sportspersons from November 4 to November 11.

The matter will be heard next on January 19, 2026.

[1] Virender Singh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. [W.P.(C) 12082/2025].