PTI
New Delhi, August 17: Asian Games gold medallist Jitu Rai has been recommended for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for his exploits in pistol shooting in the last two years although he couldn’t win a medal in the Rio Olympics.
Meanwhile sources stated that gymnast Dipa Karmakar’s name has also been recommended for the prestigious award. However, there was no official confirmation available on this issue as there is no national body to run the sport in the country. The sports ministry, however, can recommend any sportsperson for the award.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) however, said that it had recommended Jitu’s name. “Yes, we have recommended Jitu’s name for Khel Ratna award,” NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia said here Wednesday. “We have also recommended woman rifle shooter Apurvi Chandela and men rifle shooters Gurpreet Singh and PN Prakash for Arjuna awards,” he added.
The 29-year-old Rai, ranked third in the world in the men’s 10m air pistol, was one of two Indian shooters to make the final of their respective events in Rio, the other being Abhinav Bindra.
It is however, not clear who recommended Dipa’s name. The gymnast’s coach Bisheswar Nandi added more confusion to the issue stating that he doesn’t have any clue in the matter.
“I am hearing this (Dipa being recommended for Khel Ratna) for the first time. I have no clue,” Nandi stated in Rio de Janeiro when contacted.
It was also learnt that Nandi has been recommended for the Dronacharya Award (for coaches) and he is likely to get the nod after his ward’s sensational performance in Rio.
“Nandi’s application was sent to the sports ministry before the deadline ended and before the commencement of the Olympic Games. After Dipa’s performance, he will get the award,” a source informed.
