Rajiv Gandhi's name removed from Khel Ratna award, now award will be given in the name of Major Dhyan Chand

- He won India gold medal in hockey at 3 consecutive Olympics (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin)

New delhi date. Friday, August 06, 2021

The Modi government at the Center has changed the name of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. The government has decided to name him after Major Dhyanchand, the 'magician' of hockey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about this on Friday.

The Prime Minister tweeted, "Among the moments that make the country proud, the insistence of many countrymen also came to the fore that the Khel Ratna award should be dedicated to Major Dhyan Chandji." Considering the sentiments of the people, his name is now being awarded the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna.

Major Dhyanchand, considered the magician of hockey, has made an incredible contribution to hockey. He scored a total of 13 goals in his final Olympics (Berlin 1936). He also scored a total of 39 goals at the Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Berlin Olympics.

Among the moments that made the country proud, this request of many countrymen has also come to the fore that the name of Khel Ratna award should be dedicated to Major Dhyanchand ji. Given the sentiments of the people, its name is now being given the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna award.

Jai Hind!

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021

His birthday is celebrated on 29th August as the National Sports Day of India. Every year on this day Arjuna and Dronacharya awards are given in addition to the Khel Khel Ratna, the highest Khel honor for outstanding performance in sports. The award was introduced in 1991-92.

Dhyan Chand's journey of achievements is the pride of Indian sports history. He won India a gold medal in hockey at 3 consecutive Olympics (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin).