Hockey India nominates Sreejesh, Deepika for Khel Ratna Award

New Delhi: Hockey India has nominated veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and former women's team player Deepika for this year's prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Besides Sreejesh and Deepika, Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur were nominated for the Arjuna Award.

For the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, the national federation recommended former India stalwarts RP Singh and Ch Sanggai Ibemhal while coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar were nominated for the Dronacharya Award.

''The period of consideration for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020,'' HI said in a statement.

During that period, Sreejesh has played a key role in India's silver medal win at the 2018 Hockey Champions Trophy Breda, a bronze medal win at the 2018 Asian Games and the gold medal win at the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.

The 35-year-old Sreejesh has also been a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2017.

Deepika, on the other hand, was a vital part of the Indian women's hockey team, which won the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, dragflick sensation Harmanpreet Singh has over 100 international caps while Vandana has over 200 international caps.

Navjot Kaur, who has over 150 international caps, have been nominated for the Arjuna Award for their sensational performances in Indian teams' victories in the last few years.

Speaking about the recommendations for the National Sports Awards, HI president Gyanendro Ningombam said, ''It was a very proud moment for all of us when Rani won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award last year and it is with great pride that we are recommending two of the finest hockey players the country has seen - PR Sreejesh and Deepika - for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year. ''

''We are also happy to nominate Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya, and Navjot Kaur for the Arjuna Awards. They have produced some exceptional performances for the Indian team in the last few years,'' he added.

The National Sports Awards are given to the country's sportspersons by the President of India on the occasion of National Sports Day on August 29 every year to celebrate hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birthday. (UNI)