The correct answer is: 1971.
The Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award is the highest sporting honour in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was instituted in 1971 by the then-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, in honour of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The award is given to sportspersons who have made outstanding contributions to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the field of sports.
Option A: 1980 is incorrect. The Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award was instituted in 1971, not 1980.
Option B: 1995 is incorrect. The Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award was instituted in 1971, not 1995.
Option C: 2004 is incorrect. The Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award was instituted in 1971, not 2004.
Option D: 1971 is correct. The Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award was instituted in 1971.