Virat Kohli loses to Sakshi Malik, PV Sindhu in Khel Ratna race

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award is given to the sportsperson who has produced spectacular and most outstanding performances over the period of four years and it carries a cash amount of Rs 7.5 lakh. The Khel Ratna winner will receive the award from President Pranab Mukherjee on National Sports Day on August 29.

Indian Ace shooter Jitu Rai & Indian Woman gymnast Dipa Karmakar names were recommended for the prestigious award by the selection panel appointed by the Sports Ministry.

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli’s name was also discussed but the names of Karmakar, Jitu, Sakshi Malik, PV Sindhu were preferred since this is an Olympic year, according to sources.

However, It has also been decided that during Olympic years any sportsperson who wins a medal, will be automatically conferred for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Sakshi Malik and Shuttler Sindhu will be recomended with Khel Ratna as Malik won the bronze and Sindhu assured a medal for India, reaching the finals of Badminton.

Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar & limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni are the only cricketers to be awarded with Khel Ratna since the inception of this prestigious award.

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