Khel Ratna Award renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

New Delhi: The name of Khel Ratna Award has been changed to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The decision has been welcomed by people from all sections of society, especially by sportspersons.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he has been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. He said respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

The Prime Minister further said that 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.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;

“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 towards Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times.

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!

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.”

Several sportspersons have welcomed the move.