National Sports Awards: The Ministry of Sports has increased the last date for submitting applications for the National Sports Awards till 22 June, 2020 and permitted players to nominate themselves.(Source: PTI)The Ministry of Sports increased the last date for submitting applications for National Sports Awards till 22nd June, 2020, and permitted athletes to nominate themselves in wake of the "problems" they face in finding players amid the closure of COVID-19.Wednesday was the last day to complete the nomination process, but the period has been extended along with relaxation in the process due to the problems athletes face in "obtaining the recommendation of the authorities/persons prescribed due to the blockade across the country, there is a pandemic of COVID-19".A circular from the Ministry of Sports said, "It was decided to abolish the requirement to submit the recommendations of the authorities/people stipulated in the award scheme only.""The portion of the application form which needs the advocacy of the authorities/people can be left blank."The ministry has only invited email requests this year due to the epidemic.According to the stipulated rules, nominations for national awards can only be made in conjunction with the recommendation of the National Federation, Sports Council, and previous winners.Relaxation offers a window of opportunity for athletes who have not been shortlisted by their national sports federations and are not accredited by previous winners.Awards, including Rajiv Gandhi's horses, Ratna, are presented each year on August 29, the anniversary of the birth of hockey magician Dian Chand, who is also celebrated as National Sports Day.img source: the bridgeAlso Read: La Liga: Spain considering allowing soccer fans to return to matches
