The period of consideration for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020.
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Hockey India has announced the nomination of Indian Men’s Hockey Team Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and former Indian Women’s Hockey Team player Deepika for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur have been nominated for the Arjuna Award. Former India stalwarts Dr. RP Singh and Ms. M Ch. Sanggai Ibemhal have been recommended by Hockey India for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement. Coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar have been nominated for the Dronacharya Award.
“It was a very proud moment for all of us when Rani won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award last year and it is with great pride that we are recommending two of the finest hockey players the country has seen – PR Sreejesh and Deepika – for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year. We are also happy to nominate Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur for the Arjuna Awards. They have produced some exceptional performances for the Indian team in the last few years. Dr RP Singh and M Ch. Sanggai Ibemhal, nominated for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement and Coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar nominated for the Dronacharya Award, have made some stellar contributions to the game of hockey in India in their respective roles. They have continued to help hockey grow and evolve in our country,” said Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam.
“It’s a great honour for us here at Hockey India to recommend these names for the prestigious National Awards. There are several additional deserving members of the hockey fraternity who we wish we could nominate as well. We are proud of all of their contributions and achievements,” he added.
The period of consideration for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. Sreejesh was a vital performer in India’s Silver Medal win at the Hockey Champions Trophy, Breda, 2018, Bronze Medal win at the 2018 Asian Games and the Gold Medal win at the FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha 2019. The goalkeeper was previously a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2017. Deepika was a vital part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, which won the Silver Medal at the 2018 Asian Games and at the Asian Champions Trophy 2018.
Dragflick sensation Harmanpreet has over 100 international caps, with 200 international caps and over 150 international caps for Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur respectively.
Indian Men’s Hockey team captain Manpreet Singh recently stated that his team has a great chance of making its presence felt in the Tokyo Olympics, and returning with a medal. Manpreet expressed his pride on leading a group of boys who are really excited and motivated to fulfil their ambitions. The hockey star believes that the team can repeat history, adding that he is well aware of the history and expectations from the team.
“As a hockey player, the biggest dream that I’ve had is to win an Olympic medal for our country. We have a great chance to do that in Tokyo, and I am proud that I’ll be leading a group of boys who are really excited and motivated to fulfil our ambitions. We know the history and the expectations, but we believe that we can repeat history,” said Manpreet in an interaction with Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson.
