The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India confers the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (TNNAA) to recognize achievements in adventure sports and to encourage young people to develop endurance, risk-taking, teamwork, and quick reflexes in challenging situations.
The award consists of a bronze statuette, a certificate, a blazer with a silken tie/a saree, and award money of ₹ 15,00,000. The awards are presented along with the Arjuna Awards by the Government of India.
Benefits
- A bronze statuette, certificate, blazer with a silken tie/a saree, and award money of ₹ 15,00,000.
- The award holds equal status to the Arjuna Awards in the field of sports.
- Travel and lodging reimbursement for attending the award ceremony.
- Economy class airfare or AC 1-tier rail fare reimbursement.
- Free boarding and lodging at a suitable place for the award ceremony.
- Companion facilities for female and physically challenged awardees.
Eligibility
Categories
- Awards are given in four categories: Land Adventure, Water (Sea) Adventure, Air Adventure, and Lifetime Achievement.
- One award per category is usually given.
- The Ministry may increase the number of awards in a particular year with the approval of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
General Criteria
- The award is given to individuals with excellent performance, outstanding leadership, a strong sense of adventure, and consistent achievements in either Land, Water (Sea), or Air adventure sports.
- The award can be given posthumously if necessary.
Exclusions
- No person can receive the award twice in the same category.
- The Government of India may cancel or annul an award if it finds a recipient unworthy, requiring them to return the statuette and award money. However, the Government may later decide to restore the award.
Application Process
Online Submission
Receipt of Applications
- Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format before the deadline specified annually.
- Candidates can get their applications recommended by:
- The Youth/Sports Department of the concerned State Government.
- Recognized adventure institutes, such as:
- Indian Mountaineering Foundation (Land Adventure)
- National Institute of Water Sports (Water Adventure)
- Aero Club of India (Air Adventure)
- Adventure Promotion Cells of Army, Navy, Air Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, or similar paramilitary forces.
- Serving personnel of the Army, Navy, or Air Force must obtain recommendations from their respective Adventure Cell/Directorate.
- The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports may also nominate candidates on its own.
- Applications are submitted online via the Ministry’s website at the time of nomination calls.
Scrutiny Process
- Nominations are sent to three apex bodies:
- Indian Mountaineering Foundation (Land Adventure)
- National Institute of Water Sports (Water Adventure)
- Aero Club of India (Air Adventure)
- These bodies verify official records within one month of receiving nominations.
- Achievements of the last three years are considered for Land, Water (Sea), and Air categories.
Selection Procedure
- Applications are first scrutinized at the Division level to remove ineligible applications.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee.
- The Committee discusses achievements and recommends suitable candidates.
- The final decision rests with the Government of India.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Proof of age (10th mark sheet)
- Educational qualification documents (marksheets, degrees)
- Duly filled and signed achievements description
- If selected, the awardee must also submit:
- Bank mandate form
- High-resolution photographs of adventure activities
- Measurement for blazer/saree
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a person apply if they have already received the award in the past?
No, the award cannot be conferred twice in the same category. - Who can apply for the award?
Individuals with outstanding leadership, a sense of adventure, and continuous achievements in Land, Water (Sea), or Air adventure sports. - How will the recommendation letter be submitted?
Applicants can upload scanned copies of their recommendation letters while applying online. - Can an organization apply for the award?
No, this award is only for individuals. - What option should be selected in the nominator type?
Applicants must choose the appropriate recommending authority, such as State Sports Department, Adventure Institutes, or Paramilitary Forces. - Is a recommendation mandatory for all applicants?
Yes, all applications must be accompanied by a valid recommendation letter. - What supporting documents can be uploaded?
Applicants must submit proof of identity, age, educational qualifications, and achievements. - Does submitting an application confirm eligibility for the award?
No, the final decision is made by the Selection Committee and the Government of India.