Hockey stars Dharamvir, Manpreet, Savita recommended for Arjuna
New Delhi, May 3: Experienced midfielder Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh and Indian womens team goalkeeper Savita have been recommended for the Arjuna Award while Sanggai Ibemhal Chanu and former mens captain Bharat Chetri have been recommended for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, Hockey India announced on Thursday
Commenting on the recommendations, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General of Hockey India, said: "We are happy to endorse these hockey players who have immensely contributed to Indian hockey.
"They have proven their worth with significant performances that has elevated the Indian team to new heights. They have donned the India colours with pride and have given it their all to help the team win several accolades within the country and internationally.
"We at Hockey India are proud of their achievements and are happy to recommend their names for the National awards," he added.
Dharamvir Singh from Punjab formed the midfield in the Indian team and was part of the Gold Medal feat at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Manpreet Singh captained the Indian squad in the absence of P.R. Sreejesh who was injured last year.
Manpreet was part of the Asia Cup success where India beat Malaysia to lift the title. He also led the Indian Team to a bronze medal at the Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017.
Indian women goalkeeper Savita has been a trusted guard in the Indian post over the past few years.
The 27-year-old from Haryana was instrumental in India's historic Asia Cup win last year where she made a stunning save in the penalty shootout that helped India beat higher ranked China in the Final.
Her performance was critical in helping India qualify for the World Cup as Continental Champions after a gap of 13 years.
Former India player Sanggai Ibemhal Chanu, recommended for the Lifetime Achievement Award, was part of the women's team that won the 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold in Manchester followed by a Silver Medal in 2006 in Melbourne.
She also significantly contributed to the team's success at the 2014 Asia Cup here where the team lifted the trophy in front of a home crowd.
Retired senior hockey coach B.S. Chauhan, recommended for the Dronacharya Award, has long served hockey as coach at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru.
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Adityanath govt has completely failed to maintain Taj Mahal, alleges Akhilesh
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday raised questions over maintenance of the Taj Mahal in Agra and attacked the Yogi Adityanath government saying it should be a "living and active" example, not just a "monument".
Yadav, who shared a viral video in which a plant could be seen sprouting from the dome of the Taj Mahal, said the monument might develop cracks due to the roots.
In a post on X, he said, "The BJP government and its dormant departments have completely failed to maintain the Taj Mahal, the wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world."
Yadav went on to say, "There is a possibility of rusting of the metal of the urn on the main dome. Water is dripping from the main dome. There is news of plants growing in the dome. If the roots of trees like these grow, then the Taj Mahal may crack."
He also highlighted problems of monkey menace and water logging in the Taj Mahal complex.
"The Taj Mahal complex has become a sanctuary for monkeys. There is a problem of waterlogging in the Taj Mahal complex. The tourists are worried whether they should admire the Taj Mahal or deal with the problems," Yadav said, adding due to all these reasons, the country's image is tarnished at the global level.
Last week, the main dome of the Taj witnessed water seepage due to incessant rains but officials said there was no damage to the arched roof.
Yadav asked where crores of rupees of funds that come for the maintenance of Taj Mahal are going.
"The government should be a living and active example, not just a monument," he added.
