
The decision to rename the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award has received widespread appreciation from political leaders.
Let's take a look at what some of the leaders have been saying about this move by the Narendra Modi government.
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister: "For Indian sportspersons, Major Dhyan Chand is a symbol of pride and inspiration. It is a commendable move to have the Khel Ratna in his name."
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Chief Minister: "Nobody should have any opposition to this decision. When you give a sportsperson an award named after such a legend, the individual would feel honoured."
Ravi Shankar Prasad, former law minister & BJP MP: "There could not have been a better tribute to legendary sportsman of India as well as to India's men and women whose performances in Olympics have inspired the entire country."
GVL Narasimha Rao, Rajya Sabha MP: It is a timely decision to rename the Khel Ratna award after Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Greedily and distastefully, the Nehru-Gandhi family had hoisted its name on every award, scheme, project. In 75th year of independence, time to remember all heroes."
Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP: "Major Dhyanchand has inspired many young Indians. Our current Olympic teams will continue bringing the necessary attention to hockey. I hope the Government will also award the Bharat Ratna to Major Dhyanchand and rename Narendra Modi stadium to its original Sardar Patel Stadium."
Kiren Rijiju, Union Law Minister: "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for always honouring and celebrating our true heroes. This is a fitting tribute to honour the legend and Indian sports.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Sports Minister: "Honouring the sentiments of 130 crore Indians, the Khel Ratna Award, the highest sports honour in the country, has been rechristened as Major Dhyan Chandra Khel Ratna Award. This is a befitting tribute to one of the greatest sportspersons and the Wizard of Hockey."
Pema Khandu, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister: "It is time our nation's deserving sportspersons get due honour and respect."
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