The Central Government has changed the name of Khel Ratna Award. Now it will be known as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Earlier this award used to be in the name of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this information through a tweet.
He said that I have been receiving many requests from citizens all over India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. Honoring his spirit, the Khel Ratna Award will be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
PM Modi said that Major Dhyan Chand was one of the leading sportspersons of India who brought India honor and glory across the world. It is absolutely right that the highest sporting honor of our country should be named after him.
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! pic.twitter.com/zbStlMNHdq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021
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He said that we are all overwhelmed by the stupendous efforts of Indian players in the Olympic Games. The willpower shown by our sons and daughters especially in hockey, the ardor shown towards victory, is a great inspiration for the present and future generations.
He said that amidst the moments that made the country proud, the request of many countrymen has also come to the fore that the name of Khel Ratna Award should be dedicated to Major Dhyan Chand ji. Considering the sentiments of the people, it is now being renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The government’s decision came a day after the Indian hockey team won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Let us tell you that the Indian hockey team has won a medal in the Olympics after 41 years. Earlier, India last won a medal in Olympic hockey in 1980.
