Wrestler Babita Phogat demands rename of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award

Indian wrestler Babita Phogat said on Wednesday that the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award should be named after a distinguished sportsperson.

Babita tweeted, “Sports awards should be in the name of a great or respected player and not in the name of a politician.” How did you like the suggestion to change the name of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to a player?”

She further added that there are so many Olympic and World champions in our country and players will also feel more proud and inspired by taking the prize if it is in the name of a distinguished player.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Full tournament schedule to be released today, informs Sourav Ganguly

When reporters asked for their response on the issue, Babita said, “The Khel Ratna Award has been named after Rajiv Gandhi. Instead, it would have been more appropriate if it was in the name of a player. “She said that there are so many Olympic and World champions in our country and the players will also feel more proud and inspired by taking the award if it is in the name of a distinguished player. The Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honor of the country and is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Babita, who has won three medals (1 gold and 2 silver) in the Commonwealth Games, has also won bronze once in the World Championship and Asian Championship. Apart from this, he has 2 gold medals in the Commonwealth Championship.

Babita Phogat, who once sought the post of DSP from Sports Quota while being the post of Inspector in Haryana Police, has now been made Deputy Director of Sports by the government. Babita Phogat says that the BJP government honored the players. In this scenario, by understanding the feelings of the players, the CM has been made Deputy Director. She said that if there is a change in the sports policy or it is to solve the problems of the players, she will always be ready.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download: The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.