Demands in Rajya Sabha to confer Bharat Ratna to Dhyanchand

NEW DELHI: Amid demands from members in Rajya Sabha for conferring Bharat Ratna to Indian hockey icon Major Dhyanchand, Government today said it was in agreement with the sentiments that indigenous games of the country should be given importance.

Dilip Tirkey (BJD), former Indian hockey player, raised the issue of discrimination against Indian sports like kabaddi and hockey and reminded that Indian hockey icon Dhyanchand has not been given the Bharat Ratna.

Responding to his supplementary during Question Hour, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiu lauded Tirkey for his contribution to hockey and said he was in agreement with the sentiments expressed for giving priority to indigenous games of the country. He also praised Tirkey for bringing laurels to the country.

Amid slogans from some members for giving Bharat Ratna to Dhyanchand, Rijiju said cricket player Sachin Tendulkar had become the first sportsperson to get a Bharat Ratna during the previous government.

"This decision was not taken during the term of our government," he said.

Rijiju said that kabaddi players have been given Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards.

A member had earlier asked why Indian kabaddi players were not given Rajiv Khel Ratna award even as they have won major tournaments.

Rijiju was also asked whether the government has asked sports federations to submit their plans for organising national events and competing in tournaments abroad much in advance and actions taken against those federations which have not furnished such information.

Replying in affirmative, Rijiju said,"the government had issued instructions on January 1 this year asking various organisations including National Sports Federations (NSFs) to submit their proposals for seeking approval of the government for various sports events at least 90 days before the commencement of such events."