Khel Ratna award won’t be shared: Sports Ministry

Khel Ratna award won’t be shared: Sports Ministry

NEW DELHI, March 17: The country’s highest sports award Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna will not be shared by two or more persons in future except in case of Olympic medal winners, Sports Ministry said on Wednesday.

In the past there were occasions when Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was awarded to more than one person, but the ministry said such cases would be an exception in future.

“There will be only one award every year in the category of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to be given to an individual sportsperson. This condition will be relaxed only in exceptional circumstances viz, winning of an Olympic medal,” the ministry said.

This decision was taken following recommendations by a committee formed by Department of Sports in August last year to review the process of selection for National Sports Awards.

Dhoni out of action for 10 days, Raina to lead CSK

Dhoni out of action for 10 days, Raina to lead CSK

Kolkata, March 17: Chennai Super Kings’ charismatic captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be out of action for 10 days because of an elbow injury and, in his absence, left-hander Suresh Raina will lead the side in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Dhoni was hit by a rising Shane Bond delivery in yesterday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, after which he looked in pain and needed medical attention.

“Dhoni has been diagnosed with an elbow injury and advised 10 days’ rest,” CSK team manager Russell Radhakrishnan said.

Consequentially, Dhoni will miss Chennai Super Kings’ matches against Delhi Daredevils (March 19), Kings XI Punjab (March 21), Royal Challengers Bangalore (March 23) and Mumbai Indians (March 25).

Team owner Gurunath Meyappan and director (cricket operation) V B Chandrasekhar said in a statement that Dhoni would return home and in his absence, Parthiv Patel would keep the wickets.