The Prime Minister tweeted, “I have been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. Respecting their sentiment, the Khel Ratna Award will hereby be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award! Jai Hind!” He chose not to tweet the full name of the Khel Ratna Award, which led to some criticism. Until 2011, when cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the Bharat Ratna, sportspersons were never considered for the highest civilian award. Major Dhyan Chand was not only revered in our country but was also acknowledged as an international icon.

Source: The Hindu August 11, 2021 18:45 UTC