Khel Ratna Award now named after Major Dhyan Chand
The announcement comes after the stellar performance showcased by men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Tokyo Olympics.
India’s highest sporting honour Khel Ratna Award will now be named after hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. In a recent tweet on Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement saying that that he had been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. The award was named after the former Prime Minister and Congressman Rajiv Gandhi.
Major Dhyan Chand, is the greatest player in India’s hockey history. He earned three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He played internationally from 1926 to 1949.
“Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride to India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him,” he tweeted.
Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021
The announcement comes after the stellar performance showcased by men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Tokyo Olympics. The prime minister said that there is a renewed interest in the sport that is emerging across the length and breadth of India.
Khel Ratna award carries prize money of Rs 25 lakh.