Minister of State (I/C) for Youth affairs and Sports Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on 29th September 2015 conferred Arjuna Award 2015 to M.R. Poovamma (Athletics) and Babita Kumari (Wrestling) for their Achievements in sports. Both awardees received statuette, certificate and award money of Rs.5 lakh each.
M.R. Poovamma and Babita Kumari could not receive the Arjuna Award from President of India on 29August 2015 as both of them were abroad due to professional commitments.
About M.R. Poovamma:
- She is an Indian sprinter who competes in the 400 metres event.
- She has beeen ranked No. 2 in Asia in the 400m category.
- She took part in 2008 Beijing Olympics.
About Babita Kumari
- She is an Indian female wrestler.
- She who won a silver medal in wrestling in the 51 kg freestyle category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- She won gold medal in 2014 commonwealth games and became the first Indian to win gold medal in wrestling in Commonwealth Games.
About Arjuna Award
- Given by: the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, government of India.
- Established: 1961
- the award carries a cash prize of ₹ 500,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll.
- The first award was given in 1961.
- This awards is presented by president of India
