The Rajiv Gandhi Ratna Award , the highest sporting honour of India, has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today.
The renaming recognises the ultimate hockey hero and legend of the sport, Dhyan Chand.
The prime Minister said the move was based on the numerous requests received from across the nation.
“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 view.”
“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 change comes at a time India’s hockey team have captivated the imagination of the nation with their performance at the Tokyo Olympics.
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