Zee Media Bureau/Manushree ChaumalNew Delhi: Ronjan Sodhi, two-time world champion in double trap shooting, has been selected for India’s highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, by the selection committee.
Ronjan had earlier received the Arjuna Award in 2009 from President Pratibhadevi Singh Patil.
Ronjan is the only Indian to win a gold medal for India in shooting at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. He is also the only Indian shooter to have won the World Cup final twice in a row.
Ronjan expressed joy over the news but had no immediate plans of celebrations.
Star cricketer Virat Kohli was among the 14 sportspersons picked for the Arjuna award by the selection committee. Rising badminton player PV Sindhu, who became the first Indian woman shuttler to clinch a bronze medal at the recent World Championships, was also in the list of 14 sportspersons picked for the Arjuna award.
Triple-jumper Renjith Maheshwary, who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games with a national record, and rising golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar were among the sportspersons picked for the Arjuna award this year by the selection committee headed by billiards legend Michael Ferreira.
Once his name is ratified by the the Sports Ministry, the 33-year-old Ronjan, will become the seventh shooter to be honoured with the Khel Ratna. It is for the third consecutive year that a Khel Ratna award has gone to a shooter. Gagan Narang had been presented the award in 2011, followed by Vijay Kumar last year.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award: Ronjan Sodhi
The Arjuna awardees: Virat Kohli (Cricket), Chekrovolu Swuro (Archery), Renjith Maheshwary (Athletics), P V Sindhu (Badminton), Kavita Chahal (Boxing), Rupesh Shah (Snooker), Gaganjeet Bhullar (Golf), Saba Anjum (Hockey), Rajkumari Rathore (Shooting), Joshna Chinappa (Squash), Mouma Das (Table Tennis), Neha Rathi (Wrestling), Dharmendra Dalal (Wrestling), Amit Kumar Saroha (Parasports).
With PTI inputs
First Published: Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 16:00
