______ is the first woman hockey player to receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Rani Rampal
Understanding the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in Hockey
The question asks to identify the first woman hockey player who was honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. This award is India's highest sporting honour, presented to athletes for their outstanding performance over a period of four years.
Let's look at the options provided:
- Rani Rampal
- Vandana Katariya
- Nikki Pradhan
- Sharmila Devi
All these athletes are known figures in Indian women's hockey.
Analyzing the Correct Answer: Rani Rampal
Rani Rampal is a prominent figure in Indian women's hockey. She has been the captain of the Indian team and has led them in various international competitions, including the Olympics. Her significant contributions to the sport have been recognized over the years.
In 2020, Rani Rampal was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. With this recognition, she became the first Indian woman hockey player to receive this prestigious award. This was a landmark achievement for her and for women's hockey in India.
Why Other Options are Not the First Recipient
- Vandana Katariya, Nikki Pradhan, and Sharmila Devi are also talented Indian hockey players who have represented the country at various levels.
- While these players have received other accolades or are part of the team, Rani Rampal was the first among Indian women hockey players to be bestowed with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Conclusion
Based on the history of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and the recipients from the sport of hockey, Rani Rampal is indeed the first woman hockey player from India to receive this highest sporting honour.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in August 2021. However, Rani Rampal received the award under its previous name, making the question's context accurate.
Revision Table: Key Details
| Athlete | Sport | Rajiv Gandhi / Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rani Rampal | Hockey | Received in 2020 (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna) | First woman hockey player to receive the award. |
| Vandana Katariya | Hockey | Not a Khel Ratna recipient (as of late 2023) | Recipient of Padma Shri. |
| Nikki Pradhan | Hockey | Not a Khel Ratna recipient (as of late 2023) | Part of Indian team. |
| Sharmila Devi | Hockey | Not a Khel Ratna recipient (as of late 2023) | Part of Indian team. |
Additional Information: Sports Awards
India has several prestigious awards to recognize excellence in sports and coaching.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Formerly Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, it is the highest award for outstanding performance in sports over the past four years.
- Arjuna Award: Given for consistently good performance over the previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline.
- Dronacharya Award: Presented to outstanding coaches for producing medal winners at international events.
- Dhyan Chand Award: An award for lifetime achievement in sports and games, given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports after their retirement.
These awards are presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Important Questions from Sports Award
Who among the following were selected for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2019?
In February 2019, _____ won a gold medal at the Makran Cup in Chabahar, Iran.
In February 2019, India won ________ gold medal/s and five silver medals at the Makran Cup Boxing in Chabahar, Iran.
Who among the following won the 10th National Ice Hockey Championship trophy in Gulmarg in January 2021?
Which of the following teams won the Indian Super League 2020-21?
