Bhopal: Former India hockey goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi has expressed happiness over the change of the name of the country's highest sports honour from 'Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna' to 'Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.' But he has also emphasized that it should not be too late for Dhyan Chand, popularly known as the 'Hockey Wizard,' to be posthumously conferred with the country's highest civilian honour, 'Bharat Ratna.' Recently, Mir Ranjan Negi said, "The naming of Khel Ratna Samman on Major Dhyan Chand is a big step by the government for the hockey sector of the country. Now, if Dhyan Chand is also awarded the Bharat Ratna (posthumously), it will be ochroid and this work should not be delayed at all.''

At the same time, he added, "The combative and brilliant performance of Indian hockey teams in both women and men's sections at the Tokyo Olympics has created a very good atmosphere across the country in favour of sports. The government will not get a better chance to confer Bharat Ratna on Dhyan Chand again. This will increase the value of Indian hockey all over the world.'' Let me tell you all that the Indian women's hockey team also reached the Olympic semifinals for the first time with a historic performance this time, though they lost 3-4 to Britain to miss out on a bronze medal.

On this, Negi said, "The Indian team may have suffered defeat in this Tokyo Olympics match. But he has won the hearts of the entire country with his combativeness. There are very experienced players in the UK women's hockey team that won a gold medal at the Rio Olympic Games. But the Indian women's team made a brilliant comeback in the match despite trailing by two goals initially and this performance reflects the indomitable spirit of the true players.'' He further said, "Events should be organized across the country to welcome and honour the sportspersons of the women and men's teams who represented India at the Tokyo Olympics. At the same time, friendly encounters between the two Olympic parties should be held with teams from different regions.''

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