Sports Ministry again demanded Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand. The sports ministry made the demand in a letter to the Prime Minister’s office. Sports Minister Vijay Goel himself said that. He said, “This is not the first time that the Sports Ministry has demanded the Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand.” Goel felt that Dhyan Chand should get this honor considering his contribution to the country. Dhyan Chand brought gold to India in the Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
Dhyan Chand’s name was once sent by Sports Ministry in 2013. That time Sachin Tendulkar was in that list. Sachin Tendulkar was the first sportsperson to receive this honour. Dhyan Chand passed away in 1979. Even then the question arose whether Sachin should get this honor or not. In response to this question, Goyal said, “I don’t want to comment on it. It is not right to say nothing about such big players. Dhyan Chand’s contribution cannot be measured by any award. He is above everything.” They felt that giving Bharat Ratna to Dhyan Chand would also boost Indian hockey. Last year, several former hockey players sat on dharna demanding Dhyan Chand’s Bharat Ratna. But nothing happened. This Dhyan Chand’s birthday (29th August) is also celebrated as National Sports Day. The day when the President handed over awards to the best athletes of the country. Bharat Ratna has not reached his destiny yet.
