New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hosted the National Sports awardees, including Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu and bronze winner Sakshi Malik, at his 7 Race Course Road residence. The PM greeted the athletes on the eve of the National Sports Day. Besides shuttler Sindhu and wrestler Sakshi, ace shooter Jitu Rai and trailblazing gymnast Dipa Karmakar were also in attendance.
All the four athletes will be conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday.
Dipa’s coach Bisheshwar Nandi has been selected for the Dronacharya award along with Team India skipper Virat Kohli’s coach Raj Kumar Sharma, athletics coach Nagapuri Ramesh, boxing coach Sagar Mal Dhayal, Pradeep Kumar (Swimming, lifetime) and Mahabir Singh (wrestling, lifetime).
The Ministry also selected 15 athletes for this year’s Arjuna Award. The notable names in the list are boxer Shiva Thapa, long distance runner Lalita Babar, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, hockey players VR Raghunath and Rani Rampal among others.
The Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Satti Geetha (athletics), Sylvanus Dung Dung (hockey) and Rajendra Pralhad Shelke (rowing). “Delighted to meet you @Pvsindhu1. Every Indian is so proud of what you accomplished,” Modi wrote on his twitter handle, lauding the badminton star. About Sakshi, Modi wrote, “You are an inspiration for so many people @SakshiMalik.
Keep making us proud with your achievements.” For Dipa, the PM said, “Congrats @DipaKarmakar. You have won the nation’s hearts.” He also praised Jitu’s efforts and achievements.
“Meeting the skilled, talented & determined @JituRai was wonderful. Best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Regarding the Dronacharya awardees, Modi tweeted, “A major role in the success of every athlete is the perseverance of their coaches…with Dronacharya Awards winners.” (PTI)