Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 6 announced that the Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sports honour, has been renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The name honours Major Dhyan Chand, the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the history of hockey. The prime minister stated that the decision was made in response to countless appeals from around the country. The shift comes at a time when India's hockey teams have captured the nation's imagination with their performance in the Toyko Olympics. After a 41-year wait, the men's hockey team finally earned an Olympic medal on August 5. Major Dhyan Chand, whose birthday is recognised as National Sports Day, helped India win three Olympic gold medals. The Khel Ratna Award, which was established in 1991-92, consists of a medallion, a certificate, and a monetary reward of Rs. 25 lakh. Viswanathan Anand, the first recipient of the Khel Ratna, was a chess legend. Here're 10 important facts to know about Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend: 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement