NASS(VS)SA
National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure
6.8/10The "Vayoshreshtha Samman: Sports and Adventure" award shall be given to senior citizens who have won international acclaim and who continue to contribute in the field of sports and adventure. The awards are conferred every year by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment
Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment
Scheme profile
Categories: Social welfare & Empowerment
Sub-categories: Financial assistance
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: Award, Senior Citizen, Social Welfare, Sports, Adventure
Details
Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India confers the "National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)" to the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens. The awards are conferred on 1st October every year by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The "Vayoshreshtha Samman: Sports and Adventure" award shall be given to senior citizens who have won international acclaim and who continue to contribute in the field of sports and adventure. A total of 11 awards are given along with a Certificate, a Memento and also Cash Award. The Awards are given across 13 categories:
INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY
- Best Institution for Research in the field of Ageing
- Best Institution for providing services to Senior Citizens and Awareness Generation
- Best District Panchayat in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Urban Local Body in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best State in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Private Sector Organisation in promoting the well-being and welfare of Senior Citizens
- Best Public Sector Organisation in promoting the well-being and welfare of Senior Citizens
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
- Centenarian
- Iconic Mother
- Lifetime Achievement
- Creative Art
- Sports and Adventure (one each for Male and Female)
- Courage & Bravery (one each for Male and Female)
Benefits
- Decoration The Awardee is given a Citation Memento and a Cash award of ₹2 50 000/-. No. of Awardees The total number of Awardees is 15 (Fifteen). Presentation of Award (Ceremony Details) 1. The Award shall be presented in New Delhi at a special ceremony/function to be held on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons on the 1st of October every year. 1. The Awards shall be presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. 1. The boarding and lodging expenses of the awardees including one companion for each awardee shall be borne by the Central Government.1. The to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day prior to and after the date of the Samman ceremony (depending upon the actual arrival and departure dates) shall be arranged and the expenditure shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.1. The TA/ DA admissibility of the awardees and one companion shall be equivalent to that of the Joint Secretary to the Government of India
Decoration
The Awardee is given a Citation, Memento, and a Cash award of ₹ 2,50,000/-.
No. of Awardees
The total number of Awardees is 15 (Fifteen).
Presentation of Award (Ceremony Details)
- The Award shall be presented in New Delhi at a special ceremony/function to be held on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons on the 1st of October every year.
- The Awards shall be presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India.
- The boarding and lodging expenses of the awardees including one companion for each awardee shall be borne by the Central Government.1. The to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day prior to and after the date of the Samman ceremony (depending upon the actual arrival and departure dates) shall be arranged and the expenditure shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.1. The TA/ DA admissibility of the awardees and one companion shall be equivalent to that of the Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Eligibility
For the Nominee
A. The award shall be given to senior citizens who have won international acclaim and who continue to contribute in the field of sport. One award each is proposed for male and female sportsperson as sub-categories.
B. To claim the award the following conditions shall be fulfilled, namely:
- Exemplary contribution in the field of Sports.
- Recognition of his or her sportsmanship at State or National or International level.
- Bringing solidarity, commitment and collective efforts through the medium of sports.
- Outstanding achievement in the promotion and dissemination of sports to the younger generation.
For the Nominating Agencies/individuals
- The Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous organizations.
- The State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
- Past recipients of Padma Awards, Vayoshrestha Samman and other National Awards in both individual and institutional categories.
- Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
- Renowned Apex Chambers like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), National Association of Software and Service Companies, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry etc.
- Any other category of persons or institutions authorized by the Ministry from time to time.
NOTE 1: The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals without any distinction or discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed.
NOTE 2: It would be necessary that the nominee is recommended in writing by someone authorized to recommend the nominations.
NOTE 3: The Self-nominations for the Awards shall not be considered.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact9.0
- Rural utility7.0
- Awareness7.5
- Simplicity5.0
- Inclusivity6.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The scheme recognizes and rewards senior citizens for their contributions in sports and adventure, promoting their visibility and encouraging active participation.
Key challenges addressed
- Recognition of senior citizens' achievements
- Encouragement for continued involvement in sports
Most beneficial for
- Senior citizens with notable achievements in sports
- Institutions promoting elderly welfare
Likely challenges
- Limited awareness among potential nominees
- Complexity in the nomination process
Practical insights for citizens
Practical for those with achievements but may exclude many due to application barriers
Rural challenges
- Limited internet access
- Lack of awareness about the scheme
Digital challenges
- Dependence on digital literacy for application
Implementation bottlenecks
- Complex nomination process may deter potential nominees
Awareness challenges
- Low visibility of the scheme in rural areas
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Online portal
- Documents burden
- Minimal, no specific documents required
- Verification complexity
- Moderate, involves scrutiny by a committee
- Office dependency
- Low, primarily online
- DBT dependency
- No direct benefit transfer involved
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- Moderate, requires online application and nomination
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Cash
- Benefit frequency
- Annual
- Benefit practicality
- High for recognized individuals
- Financial meaningfulness
- Significant for awardees, but limited to a small number
- Long-term impact
- Encourages continued engagement in sports among seniors
Plain-language guidance
This scheme awards senior citizens who excel in sports and adventure. It recognizes their contributions and provides a cash award.
- Who should apply
- Senior citizens with notable achievements in sports.
- Who may struggle
- Those unfamiliar with online applications or lacking internet access.
- Best application route
- Apply via the National Awards Portal.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Online
Registration
Step 1: The agencies or persons, authorized to nominate and recommend eligible institutions or individuals, should visit the National Awards Portal. On the top right of the homepage, click "Register".
Step 2: You will be directed to the Registration Page. Fill in all the mandatory fields (marked with a Red Asterisk).
Step 3: Check the "Declaration" checkboxes provided at the bottom of the page. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Submit".You will receive the Login Credentials on your Registered Mobile Number.
Application
Step 1: Visit the National Awards Portal. On the top right of the homepage, click "Login".
Step 2: Login using credentials. From the list of awards, select "Vayoshreshtha Samman - National Awards for Senior Citizens", then click "Nominate / Apply Now".
Step 3: On the next page, fill in all the mandatory fields in the online application form, and then click "Submit".
Selection of Awardees
- A Screening Committee shall be constituted in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to scrutinize and shortlist the nominations, under Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary.
- The final Selection of the Awardees shall be made by the Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Calendar of Activities
- Issue of Letter Inviting Nominations by the Ministry: 1st November
- Last Date of Receipt of Nominations: 31st January
- Shortlisting of Nominations by the Screening Committee: 28th February
- Final selection by the Jury: 30th April
- Approval by the Minister: 31st May
- Vetting by IB: 15th August
- Announcement of the Awards: 1st September
- Presentation of the Awards: 1st October
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
The objective of this scheme is to honour the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens.
- When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 1st October every year.
- Who confers these awards?
The awards are conferred by the Hon'ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
The address of Vigyan Bhawan is: Maulana Azad Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
- How many categories are there in this award?
The Awards are given across 13 categories: 07 Institutional Categories and 06 categories of individual type.
- What is the maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?
The Awardee is given a Cash award of ₹ 2,50,000/-.
- Will the to-and-from travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, the to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day prior to and after the date of the Samman ceremony (depending upon the actual arrival and departure dates) shall be arranged and the expenditure shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.
- Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, there is an award for the "Best Urban Local Body in providing services and Facilities to Senior Citizens" under the Institutional Category.
- While conferring the award, is there any preference/priority given to educational institutions?
The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals without any distinction or discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed.
- Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, Self-nominations for the Awards shall not be considered.
- What is the URL of the national awards portal?
National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs at https://awards.gov.in
- Can the application form be filled in malayalam?
The Application should be in Hindi or English language only.
- Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
Yes, the Bio-Data is a mandatory document for Individual Categories of the Award.
- Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF of the Scheme Guidelines can be found at - https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Englishfull169.pdf
- Who can become a nominee for this award?
The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals.
Official links
References
- Press Advertisement
- https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/VayoEnglishversion.pdf
- Invitation For Nominations; Application Forms; And User Manual
- https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/66711658392884.pdf
- Eligibility Criteria
- https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Englishfull169.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual through benefits related to Social welfare & Empowerment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Eligibility for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Benefits under National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Applications for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure a central government scheme?
- Yes, National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Who is eligible for pension benefits under National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Eligibility may depend on age, income category, social welfare criteria, disability status, widow status, or senior citizen classification defined under the scheme.
- How are pension benefits provided under National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Pension assistance under National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure may be transferred through direct benefit transfer (DBT), linked bank accounts, post office accounts, or welfare department payment systems.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Sports And Adventure applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.