The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award will be called the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed and said that he has been getting many requests from citizens across India to name the Khel Ratna Award after Major Dhyan Chand. He said respecting their sentiments this was done.

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The Prime Minister further said that Major Dhyan Chand was among India's foremost sportspersons who brought honor and pride to India. It is fitting that our nation's highest sporting honor will be named after him.

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In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said: "The exceptional performance of the Men's and Women's Hockey Team has captured the imagination of our entire nation. There is a renewed interest towards Hockey that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times.

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!

Major Dhyan Chand was among India's foremost sportspersons who brought honor and pride for India. It is fitting that our nation's highest sporting honor will be named after him.

We are all overwhelmed by the stupendous efforts of Indian players in the Olympic Games. The willpower shown by our sons and daughters especially in hockey, the ardor shown towards victory, is a great inspiration for the present and future generations.

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 renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.