Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards History, Details, Naming
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards renamed to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards by Prime Minister of India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in the tweet, 'Amidst the moments that have 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 named Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Major Dhyan Chand was the most renowned world-class hockey player from India. Major Dhyan Chand won as many gold medals playing for the Indian hockey team during the British Raj.
According to the prime minister of India, Amidst the moments that have made the country proud, the request of many countrymen has also come to the fore that the name of the 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.
Major Dhyan Chand's birthday (29 August) is celebrated as the National Sports Day of India. On this day every year Arjuna and Dronacharya awards are given apart from Khel Ratna, the highest sports honor for outstanding performance in sports. Khel Ratna award was started in 1991-92.
The journey of Dhyan Chand's achievements makes Indian sports history proud. Everyone was in awe of Dhyan Chand, who won India hockey gold medals in three consecutive Olympics (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin).
