It is imperative to recognise and appreciate the talents and brave acts of people done for the betterment of the country and that is exactly why awards such as the Laxman Award and Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme (लक्ष्मण पुरस्कार / रानी लक्ष्मी बाई पुरस्कार योजना) exist.

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The Department of Sports under the Government of Uttar Pradesh, India introduced these two awards to ensure that people’s valuable contributions are remembered and treasured till eternity. These prestigious awards are not only awarded to able-bodied athletes but also differently-abled individuals and posthumous champions as well who portrayed enormous courage and brought the country laurels.

The Laxman Award & The Rani Laxmi Bai Award (लक्ष्मण पुरस्कार / रानी लक्ष्मी बाई पुरस्कार योजना)

The Laxman Award is named after the legendary archer of Indian mythology. It is specially awarded to male athletes who perform exceptionally with all their hard work and dedication. In contrast, the Rani Laxmi Bai Award is named after the iconic queen who fought for India during the struggle for independence; the award is awarded to female athletes for excelling in the field of their specialised sport.

These awards aren’t merely to celebrate their efforts and excellence but these awards enable the people to commemorate their love and value toward the athletes. They are beyond a token of appreciation but they symbolise integral values such as determination, power, courage, fearlessness, and perseverance.

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Inclusion Of Differently-Abled & Athletes

The Laxman Award and the Rani Laxmi Bai Award have evolved and now recognise the excellent achievements of differently-abled athletes. This recognition poses as a role model for every human being that no challenge or obstacle is impossible to overcome.

Differently-abled Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) or para-athletes are those individuals who suffer from physical, visual, or intellectual disabilities. They face innumerable issues in their mundane lives but still don’t let their physical limitations come in the way of their passion. It is truly astonishing how their patience and consistent hard work led them toward the path of success. The government acknowledges their efforts through these awards and the benefits that come along with the awards.

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Recognition Of Posthumous

The Laxman Award and the Rani Laxmi Bai Award have provisions for posthumous recognition as well. This enables the awards to honor those athletes who unfortunately aren’t with us in this world but their excellent achievements remain in this world till eternity. Posthumous awards are a way of storing the courageous acts of athletes and keeping them in the memory of every citizen.

The awards are given to the families of the deceased athlete which helps in providing closure to the family members and serves as a reminder that the athlete will remain with us forever.

Particulars About The Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme (रानी लक्ष्मी बाई पुरस्कार योजना)

The Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme is a state government scheme launched to recognise the efforts of female athletes in 31 different sports categories. It awards the athlete with a bronze statue of Rani Laxmi Bai or Laxman, a scroll, a citation, and a cash prize of 3,11,000 INR. The athletes can check their eligibility for securing the award through the government’s official website and apply by filling out the form and delivering it through post.

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Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Laxman Award and Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme for Differently-Abled and Posthumous Individuals are the same:

• The player must come from the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

• The player must be a member of the state senior team for at least three consecutive years and earn a medal in the National games or National Senior Championship.

• Players who have participated in the National Senior Championship are required to participate in games mentioned by the government such as the Olympic games, World Championship/ World Cup Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championship and Commonwealth Championship, and SAF games.

• Players who have only participated in National Senior Championships/National Games cannot apply for the award.

• The player must submit an affidavit along with their application proving their sobriety.

• The applicant must also submit an oath of not being found guilty in any cases of sexual harassment.

• A player is awarded with this recognition only once.

• The awards for veteran category sportsmen, the player should be 40 years old or above.

Rani Laxmi Bai Award Scheme Application Process

1. The applicants must fill out the application form after taking its print.

2. The application form must be accurately filled along with attaching the required documents such as birth certificate, identity proof, PAN card, domicile certificate, bank passbook, certificate of required sports competitions, affidavits of sobriety and not being found guilty of any sexual harassment case, and disability certificate.

3. The application form with the necessary documents and two passport-size photographs are to be submitted to the respective sports officer of the district.

4. Please ensure to keep a receipt after the submission of the documents to keep track of your application.

Conclusion

The Laxman Award and the Rani Laxmi Bai Award aren’t merely decorative pieces but a way of now awarding the differently-abled and posthumous athletes. The awards are a symbol of their courage, dedication, passion, determination, and resilience.

For more information, you can contact the Sports Directorate of UP by dialling 05222625525.