Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 126

First recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the year the award was first given and the sportspersons associated with it.

Correct Answer: A) Vishwanath Anand.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Railways

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honor in India, established to recognize outstanding achievements in sports. The award was first introduced in 1991-1992, and it is given annually to athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance and have brought significant honor to the country through their sporting achievements.

The first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award was Vishwanath Anand, a chess grandmaster. Anand's exceptional performance in chess, including his World Chess Championship victories, made him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. The award is a testament to his contributions to the sport and his role in elevating the profile of chess in India.

It is important to note that while other athletes such as Milkha Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid have also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for their outstanding achievements in their respective sports, they were not the first recipients. Milkha Singh, known for his achievements in athletics, and Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, both renowned cricketers, have made significant contributions to Indian sports but were recognized with the award in subsequent years.

Understanding the historical context and the specific achievements of the recipients is crucial for correctly identifying the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. This knowledge is often tested in competitive examinations that focus on general knowledge and Indian sports history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Vishwanath Anand was the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1991-1992 for his exceptional performance in chess.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Milkha Singh, known as the "Flying Sikh," is a renowned athlete but was not the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Sachin Tendulkar, a legendary cricketer, received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, but not as the first recipient.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Rahul Dravid, another prominent cricketer, also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, but not as the first recipient.

Mnemonic: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: Vishwanath Anand, 1991-1992

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