The Government of India has hiked the prize-money of its annual sporting honours, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna award.

The Khel Ratna recipient will now receive Rs 750,000, Rs 250,000 more than previously awarded.

Those conferred the Dronacharya, Dhyanchand and Arjuna awards will each get Rs 200,000 more as the amount has been increased to Rs 500,000, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Pratik Prakashbapu Patil told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday in a written reply to a question.

Besides, the Railway Ministry provides first class/second AC complimentary passes to Arjuna awardees, Dronacharya awardees, Olympic medalists, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medalists.