The decision to rename the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award after Major Dhyan Chand has received widespread appreciation from political leaders.
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."