Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Announces PM

Mumbai: PM Narendra Modi has announced that Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award will now be known as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. He said the decision was taken after getting “many requests” from the citizens.

Taking to Twitter on Friday, PM Modi tweeted that he has been receiving requests from people across the country to rename the award after the great hockey player.

“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! Jai Hind!” Modi tweeted.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423538297842769921?s=20

“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,” the PM added.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1423538492403974145?s=20

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also took to social media to laud the move as he tweeted, “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.”

https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1423543061972348929?s=20

Many experts have repeatedly demanded Bharat Ratna for one of India’s great athletes – Dhyan Chand. His magic with the stick helped India win a record eight gold medals at the Olympics.

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