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

The Modi government at the Center has changed the name of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. The government has decided to name it after Major Dhyan Chand, who is called the ‘magician’ of hockey. Prime Minister Modi gave this information via Twitter on Friday.

PM 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.

Prime Minister Modi said that the performance of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Tokyo Olympics has thrilled the entire nation. He said that now the interest of the people in hockey has increased again which is a positive sign for the times to come. Under the Khel Ratna Samman, a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh is given.

Incredible contribution of Dhyanchand to hockey

Major Dhyan Chand, who is called the ‘magician’ of hockey, has made an incredible contribution to hockey. He scored a total of 13 goals in his last Olympics (Berlin 1936). In this way, Dhyan Chand scored a total of 39 goals in Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Berlin Olympics, which shows his excellent performance.

His 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. This 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).

Historic performance of men’s and women’s hockey teams in Tokyo Olympics

After the historic performance of the women’s and men’s hockey teams in the Tokyo Olympics, people have started giving love to hockey again in the country. While the men’s team managed to win a medal after 41 years, the women’s team reached the semi-finals of the Olympics for the first time. The men’s team last won a medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Then he captured the gold medal.