Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

The exceptional performance of the men's and women's Hockey Teams has captured the imagination of our entire nation, the prime minister said, adding that there is a renewed interest in the sport that is emerging across the length and breadth of India. This is a very positive sign for the coming times, he said. The prestigious award carries prize money of Rs 25 lakh.

Congress MP K Suresh raised protest on renaming Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. "It's unfortunate. Rajiv Gandhi was PM, he led the country into the 21st century. He encouraged sports, youth. This government wants to saffronise and that's why they gave another name," he said.