Dipa Karmakar’s Rio Olympic efforts have been rewarded with a Khel Ratna recommendation and she will receive the award on National Sports Day from President Pranab Mukherjee. According to source close to Sportskeeda, pistol shooter Jitu Rai who missed out on a medal has also been recommended for this honour, with shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth also in the running.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Dipa said, “
Dipa’s coach Bisheshwar Nandi is also front-runner to be bestowed with the Dronacharya award. Our source added, “Virat Kohli has also been recommended from cricket due to his quick growth as a player. Apart from that what Dipa has achieved it cannot be matched for years to come. It's a well deserved recommendation. Jitu has represented India at the highest level for the longest time. He might not have medalled, but he has raised the tri-colour very high.”
Unfortunately, Srikanth’s Rio journey ended moments earlier after he lost to China’s Lin Dan, despite putting up a brave fight. Sindhu will be playing the semi-final on Thursday, against world number 6 Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara.
Hockey stalwart VR Raghunath, Boxer Shiva Thapa and middle distance runner Lalita Babar are front runners to win Arjuna Awards, with their names specifically being recommended. Rifle shooter Apurvi Chandela is also on the list along with Archers Rajat Chouhan and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. Cueist Sourav Kothari will also be bestowed with the honour this year.
More to follow..
