April 30, 2015 by admin

Sardar, Sindhu in Khel Ratna mix

New Delhi, Badminton star PV Sindhu and Indian hockey team skipper Sardar Singh have forwarded their applications to the Sports Ministry for the Khel Ratna award this year.Asian and Commonwealth Games medallist Tintu Luka, Incheon gold medallist Dipika Pallikal and silver medallist in the men’s high jump at the Paralympics, Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, are among the other first-time nominations for the coveted award, whereas golfer Jeev Milkha Singh and Paralympian Devendra Jhajariya have decided to try their luck yet again.The BCCIhas again decided to not send any name for Khel Ratna, for which the last day of filing applications was Thursday. However, the BCCI has ecommended batsman Rohit Sharma’s name for the Arjuna Awards.Star shooter Jitu Rai, who won back-to-back gold medals in Glasgow Commonwealth and the Incheon Asian Games, Rahi Sarnobat and Prakash Nanjappa are also in the fray for the Arjuna Award. From the wrestling arena, Glasgow gold winners Amit Kumar Dahiya and Babita Phogat are vying for this coveted award along with Incheon silver medallist Bajrang.The maximum applications have been received from the boxing arena. Apart from Asian champion Shiva Thapa, Mandeep Jhangra, Pinki Rani and Paramjeet Samota have also thrown their hats into the ring.Commonwealth Games gold medallist weightlifter Satish Sivalingam, who unfortunately missed out on an Asian Games medal after falling seriously ill on the eve of his event, is also a serious contender for the Arjuna. The awards are being given every year on August 29, the birthday of legendary Major Dhyan Chand.In the 21-year history of Khel Ratna, 2014 was the only year when no sportsperson was awarded.