Bajrang Punia to receive Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Bajrang Punia was announced as the latest recipient of the country’s most prestigious sporting honour - the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna by a 12-member committee consisting of some of the country’s most respected sports stars. Punia has stated that he felt he deserved to be rewarded for his achievements.
Multiple times Asian and Commonwealth champion Bajrang Punia was declared, on Friday, that he will be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for his contributions to the country. The 25-year-old wrestler has, in the past, been a runner up in the World Championships while having gold medals in the Asian Championships, the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games as well as the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships.
The decision was made by a 12-member panel on the opening day of a two-day meet which consists of sporting legends such as Bhaichung Bhutia and M C Mary Kom. The committee is also expected to nominate another sportsperson for the award besides announcing the winners of the Arjuna and Dronacharya Award.
"Bajrang has been nominated for the Khel Ratna award. His name was a unanimous choice," a source close to the development told PTI, reported Sportstar.
The 25-year-old had won the Arjuna Award in 2015 and earlier in the year been presented with the Padma Shri Award, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour. He will now be joining an illustrious list of national legends such as Virat Kohli, Saina Nehwal, M C Mary Kom, Viswanathan Anand and many such talented stars of their respective sport.
"I had the achievements to deserve this award. I have always said that awards should go to the most deserving ones," Bajrang responded to the nomination.
The only prominent tournament where the freestyle wrestler is yet to win a medal is the Olympic and is one of the country’s leading hopes in securing one for the nation next year.
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