Free Medical Card for Media Persons 2026

The Laxman and Rani Laxmi Bai Awards, introduced by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Sports, aim to Read More... recognize outstanding achievements of differently-abled athletes and honour posthumous sports heroes from the state. Read less

Details

The Uttar Pradesh government, through its Department of Sports, has introduced the prestigious Laxman Award for male athletes and the Rani Laxmi Bai Award for female athletes. These awards are a significant step towards acknowledging the dedication and talent of sports personalities within the state, with special provisions for differently-abled individuals and posthumous recognition.

What Are The Laxman & Rani Laxmi Bai Awards?

These awards are the highest sports honours in Uttar Pradesh. They celebrate athletes who have excelled in various sports disciplines. The scheme specifically honours differently-abled athletes and also has provisions to award the Laxman Award posthumously, acknowledging contributions even after a sportsperson's passing.

Who Can Benefit From These Awards?

The awards are designed for sportspersons who are native to Uttar Pradesh. They recognize achievements across 31 sports disciplines. Special categories exist for differently-abled athletes and for veterans aged 40 and above. The awards can also be given posthumously to recognise athletes who have made a lasting impact.

Why Are These Awards Important?

These awards serve as a powerful motivator for athletes in Uttar Pradesh. By recognizing excellence, especially among differently-abled individuals and through posthumous honours, the state government aims to promote a culture of sportsmanship, encourage participation, and inspire future generations of athletes.

Objective

The Laxman and Rani Laxmi Bai Awards, introduced by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Sports, aim to recognize outstanding achievements of differently-abled athletes and honour posthumous sports heroes from the state.

Benefits

Identification Cards/Certificates will be issued to the eligible media persons for availing the following facilities -

Free medical facilities to the press correspondents and members of their families in Government hospitals /institutions under the control of the Administration.

Free treatment in the Government hospitals /institutions of Puducherry with entitlement of 'A-Class' Special Wards. In the absence of such wards, wards of the next lower category shall be provided.

The free medical facility will also include hospital stoppages, investigation charges, etc.

Time of Disbursal:The Medical Card will be issued within a working day from the date of application.

Sources and references

Guidelines & Application Form

Who Can Apply?

You must be a permanent resident (bonafide native) of Uttar Pradesh.
You need to have been a member of the state senior team for at least three consecutive years (e.g., 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 for one award cycle, and 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 for another).
Participation in National Games/National Senior Championship is required. You should have won a medal in the year for which the award is recommended.
Participation in international events like Olympic Games, World Championship/World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championship, Commonwealth Championship, or SAF Games will also make you eligible.
You must provide an affidavit stating you have never been involved in substance abuse in any sports event or competition.
You must also submit an affidavit confirming you have not been found guilty in any court case or in connection with sexual harassment.
The awards are given in 31 specified sports disciplines.
An individual can receive this award only once.
The award can be conferred posthumously.
The government reserves the right to cancel an awardee's name, in which case the statue and inscription must be returned. This decision is final.
Any attempt to lobby or influence the recommendation process will disqualify the entry.
Simply participating in National Senior Championships/National Games without further achievements is not enough to be considered eligible.
For the Veteran Category: Applicants must be 40 years of age or above on April 1 of the award year. You should have achieved significant success in the National Championship/International Competitions in any two of the designated sports.

How to Apply

To apply for the Laxman Award or Rani Laxmi Bai Award, you typically need to follow these steps:

Download the application form from the official website of the Department of Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Fill out the form completely with all the required details.
Attach all the necessary supporting documents as mentioned in the list.
Submit the filled application form along with the documents to the District Sports Officer.

Please refer to the official website for the exact submission address and any updates on the application process.

Documents You'll Need

Two Passport-size photographs
Proof of age (e.g., Birth Certificate)
Identification Proof
PAN card
Domicile Certificate (Proof of being a resident of Uttar Pradesh)
Bank Passbook (showing Account number and IFSC code)
Certificates of Sports competitions/Championships at State, National, and International levels, including profiles of your sports achievements (issued by respective sports associations).
An affidavit confirming you have not been found guilty of substance abuse.
An affidavit confirming you have not been found guilty by a court or in cases of sexual harassment.
Disability Certificate (if applying under the differently-abled category)

FAQ’s

What is the main goal behind instituting the Laxman and Rani Laxmi Bai Awards?

The primary aim is to honour outstanding sports performers from Uttar Pradesh, particularly recognizing the achievements of differently-abled athletes and also providing posthumous recognition to deserving sportspersons.

Can an athlete receive the Laxman or Rani Laxmi Bai Award more than once?

No, each recipient is eligible to receive the award only a single time throughout their career.

Is it possible for the award to be given after the sportsperson has passed away?

Yes, the award can indeed be presented posthumously to honour athletes who have made significant contributions to sports.

If I have only competed in National Senior Championships or National Games, am I eligible for this award?

No, participation solely in National Senior Championships or National Games is not considered sufficient for eligibility. Higher levels of competition and achievement are usually required.

What are the age requirements for the Veteran category of these awards?

For the Veteran category, you need to be 40 years of age or older as of April 1 of the year for which the award application is being made.

What documentation is needed when applying for the award?

You will need to submit documents like proof of age, identity proof, PAN card, domicile certificate, bank details, sports achievement certificates, and affidavits regarding conduct.

Which government department is responsible for these awards?

These prestigious awards are managed and presented by the Department of Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

What happens if my recommendation for the award is challenged or cancelled?

If an awardee's name is cancelled by the government, they will be required to return the statue and any inscription received. This decision by the government is final.

Where can I find the official application form for the Laxman/Rani Laxmi Bai Award?

The application form can typically be downloaded from the official website of the Department of Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

What is the prize money associated with the Laxman/Rani Bai award?

The award comes with a cash prize of ₹3,11,000/-, in addition to a citation, a bronze statue, and a scroll.

Are there any specific sports that are covered under this award scheme?

Yes, the awards recognize talent across 31 different sports disciplines, including but not limited to swimming, athletics, boxing, hockey, wrestling, and cricket.

How should I submit my application for the award?

Completed applications, along with all required documents, need to be submitted to the District Sports Officer.