Press Trust of India
New Delhi, May 11: Indian women’s team captain Ritu Rani and senior men’s team drag-flicker VR Raghunath and midfielder Dharamvir Singh were recommended Wednesday by Hockey India (HI) for the Arjuna Award.
“VR Raghunath, Dharamvir Singh and Ritu Rani have been recommended for the Arjuna Award while Sylvanus Dung Dung has been recommended for the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award and veteran Coach CR Kumar recommended for the Dronacharya,” HI said in a statement released here.
Speaking on the recommendations, Md Mushtaque Ahmad, secretary general, HI said, “With their passion and dedication for the sport, these players who have been recommended have done India proud by earning several accolades internationally.
“I truly believe they deserve every recognition and appreciation for the efforts they have put in making the nation shine in various tournaments.”
Former player Dung Dung (70) was part of the Olympic gold medal-winning team in 1980. Dung Dung had struck the ‘golden’ goal against Spain which brought home the gold medal after a disappointing outing for the nation in the Montreal Olympics in 1976 when India had missed the podium.
Raghunath made his debut in the senior men’s squad in 2005 during the bilateral series against Pakistan. He was a part of the squad in the 2014 Asian Games where India won the gold after nearly three decades and secured an Olympic berth.
Likewise, Dharamvir was also a part of the 2014 Asian Games side. He was also in the team which won the silver medal at the 2014 CWG and the bronze at 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Meanwhile Kumar is best known for guiding the Indian junior men’s hockey team to glory in the 2011 Junior World Cup in Hobart when he had served as the team’s head coach.
