Following the recent spectacular performances of the Women and Men’s hockey team of India, the highest honour given to sportspersons of the country, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, has been renamed to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The announcement was made today through a tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after “many citizens requested” him for the change to be made. According to the PM, the new name is symbolic of the hockey legend’s contribution to secure India 3 gold medals in the Olympics.
The move was a result of the several requests he received from people, he said in a tweet, “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.”
ALSO READ: Pegasus Scandal: SC To Issue Notice On Tuesday; Calls Out Advocate For Involving PM…
Concluding his announcement with #JaiHind, PM Modi declared the changed name, calling it a “respect to the citizens’ sentiments”.
This comes amid India’s biggest success at the Olympics this year in the hockey category after the men’s team brought a bronze medal home, ending 41 years of thirst for victory. Though the women’s team could not make the mark to get the bronze today by a narrow gap, they won the hearts of all Indians for their charismatic and brilliant performance this year.
In an earlier tweet, prior to the announcement of the award name change, the PM praised both the teams and spoke about how their performances have inspired thousands in the nation to take up hockey.
“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 in Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times,” he wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted about Dhyan Chand and the victories he brought for India. The sports hero’s birthday is celebrated every year as National Sports Day.
ALSO READ: PM Modi To Preside Over UN Security Council On Maritime Security
“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,” his tweet read.
Joining in to celebrate the news was former hockey player Ajitpal Singh who called it a “decision better late than never”.
“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,” he told reporters.
Applauding the move but highlighting the greater requirement at the moment, boxer Vijender Singh, who had won a bronze at the Olympics, said sportspersons need more than just an honorary name change.
“Nothing against the move because we all respect Dhyan Chand ji’s immense contribution but the government ought to do more than this to support sportspersons. They need facilities at the basic level, unless we can do that, mere renaming of awards won’t make much of a difference,” Mr Singh said.
ALSO READ: PM Modi Preaches Lord Buddha On Dharma Chakra Day
As part of the award, winners receive a medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakhs. Chess player Vishwanathan Anand had received the first-ever Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award that had started in the year 1991-92. Since then, cricketer Rohit Sharma, women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and others have been recipients of the award.
