The award winners were connected virtually to President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan from nine different Sports Authority of India-designated locations.An unprecedented five India athletes – cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, para-athlete Mariyappan Thangavelu, women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, and paddler Manika Batra – were virtually conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
The virtual ceremony was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind and sports minister Kiren Rijiju, among other dignitaries.The function began with Rijiju’s address, followed by the ceremony to honour athletes, coaches and various organisation working to promote sports in the country.It ended with the President’s speech.
The names of Khel Ratna recipients were called out first with para-athlete Mariyappan Thangavelu receiving the honour followed by India women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal.Paddler Manika Batra was honoured in Pune.The other two awardees – wrestler Vinesh Phogat and cricketer Rohit Sharma – missed the ceremony.
While Phogat tested positive for coronavirus, Sharma is in Abu Dhabi to lead his side Mumbai Indians in the 13th edition of the IPL.
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