HOCKEY STARS
Manpreet Singh (Capt), Lalit Upadhyay and others welcome change of name for 'Khel Ratna' Award after hockey magician Dhyan Chand
"Nothing can be more satisfying than this because it happened a day after we won the Bronze Medal", - Manpreet Singh
PM does it again, names 'Khel Ratna' Award after hockey magician Dhyan Chand
New Delhi: In the season of hockey wins and Olympic medals, here is another major breaking news related to India's best known hockey maestro.
In a major decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that the highest sports award 'Khel Ratna' award named after Rajiv Gandhi would be now named after hockey wizard Dhyan Chand.
"I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award
after Major Dhyan Chand. I thank them for their views. Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award
will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Jai Hind," the Prime Minister tweeted.
It could be a case of taking it away from 'dynasty', and showing the countrymen and women
the power of democracy where the writ of the people's wishes are being respected.
"Major Dhyan Chand was among India’s foremost sportspersons who brought honour and pride for India.
It is fitting that our nation’s highest sporting honour will be named after him," Mr Modi wrote in another
tweet.
Born on August 29, 1905, Dhyan Chand expired on December 3, 1979.
Known as the 'hockey magician' Dhyan Chand was known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats,
in addition to earning three Olympic gold medals, in 1928, 1932 and 1936, during an era
when India dominated the field hockey on grass grounds.
Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian armed forces during the colonial era and it is said he had declined to
'honour' Hitler for his dictatorial and autocratic styles.
However, it has been also reported that the German leader Hitler was so impressed with Dhyan Chand's skills
that he offered him German citizenship and a position of Colonel in the German Army. Dhyan Chand declined
the offer nevertheless.
Between 1936 and the commencement of the War in 1939, he largely confined himself to army hockey,
with one visit to Kolkata to take part in the Beighton Cup tournament in 1937.
Dhyan Chand was born in Allahabad on 29 August 1905 to a Rajput family.
He played international hockey from 1926 to 1949 and scored 570 goals in 185 matches,
according to his autobiography, 'Goal'.
The Government of India awarded Chand India's third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956.
His birthday, 29 August, is celebrated as the National Sports Day.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was instituted in 1991-92 a few months after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated.
The award was given for the performance by a sportsperson in a year. However, based on the suggestions
provided by the 2014 award selection committee, the Spots Ministry revised the criteria in
February 2015 (under NDA government) to consider the performance over a period of four years.
::::: Well done 'Bharat ke Betiyan' ! Heartbreak ! But reasons to celebrate.
We narrowly missed a medal in Women’s Hockey but this team reflects the spirit of New India- where we give our best and scale new frontiers. More importantly, their success at #Tokyo2020 will motivate young daughters of India to take up Hockey and excel in it. Proud of this team.
- PM Modi
We will always remember the great performance of our Women’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020. They gave their best throughout. Each and every member of the team is blessed with remarkable courage, skill and resilience. India is proud of this outstanding team.
Heartbreak!!! But all reasons to hold our heads high. Well played Indian Women’s Hockey Team. You all inspired everyone in India. That itself is a victory.
India won the hearts! #IndianHockey - Nandhini
What a great game ! Well played Indian Women’s Hockey Team. You all inspired everyone in India. That itself is a victory. We all are proud of youFlag of India
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