Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to be renamed after Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, says PM Modi
PM Modi has announced to rename Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
In India, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honour. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced to rename it after Major Dhyan Chand. Major Dhyan Chand was the ultimate hockey hero and legend of the sport.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views." "Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award!" tweeted the Prime Minister with #JaiHind.
The announcement is made when India's hockey teams have garnered the attention of the nation with their extra ordinary performance at the Toyko Olympics.
Though the women's hockey team narrowly missed out on a bronze medal today, the high spirits of the team were easily seen at the Olympics. Yesterday, the men's hockey team won an Olympic bronze after a wait of 41 years.
The PM tweeted, "The exceptional performance of the Men's and Women's Hockey Team has captured the imagination of our entire nation. There is a renewed interest towards Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times."
Earlier, Major Dhyan Chand has won three Olympic golds for the country. As a tribute of respect, his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day.
"Major Dhyan Chand is India's most legendary & loved sporting icons; it is only befitting that India's Highest Sporting Honour be named after him. His life and achievements have inspired generations of sportspersons who have achieved glory for India," Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted after the announcement.
Appreciating the decision, former hockey skipper Ajitpal Singh also shared his views about the announcement. He told PTI, "It's a welcome move. It's a good decision which the Prime Minister has taken. Sports awards should always be in the name of sportspersons and there is no bigger sportsperson in the country other than Dhyanchand ji. The recognition came late but better late than never."
