New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS): The sports ministry Friday said dope offenders won't be considered for Arjuna Award or Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
The ministry also said that coaches of dope tainted athletes too won't be considered for the Dronacharya Award.
The ministry said it will seek a report from the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) about each sportsperson short-listed for awards to verify if anyone has been found positive for doping.
Athlete Renjith Maheshwari, who had failed a dope test in 2008, was picked for the Arjuna Award last year.
The ministry said nominations for the National Sports Awards would be invited in January. The last date for receipt of nominations is April 30 or the last working day in April.