Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated today that the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest athletic honour, has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Dhyan Chand, the ultimate hockey star and legend, is honoured with the renaming.
The move, according to the Prime Minister, was made in response to countless demands from across the country.
“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 shift takes place at a time when India’s hockey teams have captured the nation’s imagination with their performance at the Toyko Olympics.
The women’s hockey team narrowly missed out on a bronze medal today, bringing an end to their passionate performance at the Olympics. After a 41-year wait, the men’s hockey team won Olympic bronze yesterday.
“The Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams’ outstanding performances have caught the attention of the entire country. Hockey is regaining popularity across India. This is a really encouraging sign for the future “Just before announcing the new name for the prize, the Prime Minister added in another tweet.
Dhyan Chand, whose birthday is commemorated as National Sports Day, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist for India.
“Major Dhyan Chand is one of India’s most illustrious and well-loved athletic figures; it is only fair that India’s highest sporting honour be named after him.” After the announcement, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted, “His life and exploits have inspired generations of Indian athletes who have won glory.”
Former hockey captain Ajitpal Singh praised the move, saying that while it was late, it was better than never.
“It’s a positive step. The Prime Minister has made an excellent decision. Sports honours should always be given to athletes, and there is no greater athlete in the country than Dhyanchand ji. The acknowledgement came late, but it’s better late than never “PTI quoted Mr Singh as saying.
Vijender Singh, an Olympic bronze medalist in boxing, said that honouring Dhyan Chand’s memory is a wonderful start, but it won’t be enough.
“Nothing against the move because we all admire Dhyan Chand ji’s enormous effort, but the government could do more to help athletes. They require basic amenities; unless we can provide such, renaming awards won’t make much of a difference “PTI news agency cited the fighter as saying.
The award, which was established in 1991-92, consists of a medallion, a certificate, and a monetary prize of Rs. 25 lakh. Viswanathan Anand, a chess legend, was the first recipient of the Khel Ratna. Cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, and women’s hockey team leader Rani Rampal are just a few of the recent champions.
