AFI confirms Khel Ratna recommendation for Neeraj Chopra; 4 athletes nominated for Arjuna

The Athletics Federation of India on Wednesday confirmed recommending star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, nation’s highest sporting honour.

PTI had already reported that Chopra was AFI’s choose for the Khel Ratna for the third yr in a row and India’s quickest lady Dutee Chand for the Arjuna Award.

Asian Games gold medallists Arpinder Singh (triple soar) and Manjit Singh (800m) and reigning Asian champion center distance runner P U Chitra had been beneficial for the Arjuna Award, in addition to Dutee.

A panel shaped by the Sports Ministry will shortlist the nominations obtained from numerous nationwide federations with the awards to be offered on National Sports Day, August 29.

“We are sure that Neeraj will get the nod this time around after he missed out on being picked for the award when weightlifter Mirabai Chanu edged him out in 2018 and wrestler Bajrang Punia was chosen ahead of him last year,” AFI president Adile Sumariwalla mentioned.”The immensely fashionable athlete deserves the award for his performances forward of the 2021 Olympics and it’ll inspire him to do even higher,” he mentioned in an AFI launch.

The 22-year-old Chopra has already being conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2018 after successful a gold on the 2018 Commonwealth. In that yr, he was additionally beneficial for the Khel Ratna.He had additionally gained the gold on the 2018 Asian Games. Chopra has already certified for the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Regarding the Arjuna Award suggestions, Sumariwalla mentioned, “We believe that Awards selection committee will consider the fact that track and field sport is among the most intensely competed even in the continent.”It can be vital to keep in mind that within the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018, athletics accounted for 20 of 70 medals, together with half of 16 gold, gained by Indian sportspersons,” he mentioned.

Deputy Chief Coach Radhakrishnan Nair, the one Indian to have accomplished International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme of the International Olympic Committee with honours, has been beneficial for the Dronacharya Award.

Kuldip Singh Bhullar, who gained discus throw silver medal in 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, and sprinter Jincy Philip, who completed fourth in 2002 Asian Games in Busan, have been nominated for the Dhyan Chand Award, given for lifetime achievement to those that missed out on Arjuna Award throughout their sporting profession.