Khel Ratna wipes last 2 year memories: Narang

Gagan Narang who is all set to be conferred with the country`s highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna said that this helps wipe the memories of the last two years.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: Ace shooter Gagan Narang who is all set to be conferred with the country`s highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – after being recommended for the honour by the awards selection committee said that this helps wipe the memories of the last two years. Speaking exclusively to Zeenews.com, Narang said that the award is very dear and is a huge motivation. Last year Narang caused a stir when he threatened to skip the Commonwealth games over the disappointment of missing out on Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. He said “This helps wipe the memories of the last two years, the award has come to me now and I am very happy for that.” He also acknowledged the achievement of Tejeswini Sawant who was nominated for the Arjuna award. “I am immensely proud and happy for Tejeswini Sawant as well for winning the Arjuna award in shooting”. The other Arjuna awardees this year include Indian football captain and striker Sunil Chettri, rising tennis star Somdev Devvarman and ace badminton player Jwala Gutta. Somdev had struck a golden double last year by finishing on top in both the Commonwealth and Asian Games singles events. Fly weight boxer Suranjoy Singh, who clinched an astonishing seven back-to-back gold medals last year including the Commonwealth Games gold, is also in the list of athletes recommended for the Arjuna. The selection panel for the awards was headed by sprint legend P T Usha and comprised, among others, tennis ace Leander Paes, hockey icon Ashok Kumar, ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom, shooter Anjali Bhagwat and national squash coach Cyrus Poncha.