HM recommends Bharat Ratna to Dhyan Chand

• Will be happy if Vajpayee gets it, says niece
• Milkha happy with nomination
• Bar ex-PMs from honour: Bapu's great grandson

New Delhi: Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha that the Union Home Ministry has sent Bharat Ratna recommendation for late Major Dhyan Chand to the PMO, after receiving recommendations from several quarters.

Last year, hockey wizard Dhyan Chand – despite being one of the overwhelming favourites to win the Bharat Ratna, was overlooked to accommodate Sachin Tendulkar. There were widespread reports of possible snubbing of the legendary hockey player`s case.

Considered as the greatest ever hockey player, Dhyan Chand helped India win three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics.

All family members will be happy if former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee gets the Bharat Ratna, his niece Karuna Shukla has said. "We have come to know through newspapers that he may get the Bharat Ratna. It will be a matter of great pride for the whole family if he is chosen for the honour," Shukla told PTI from Raipur.

Legendary athlete Milkha Singh expressed his delight at Home Ministry recommending the name of hockey great late Major Dhyan Chand for the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country. Speaking from Chandigarh, the 'Flying Sikh' said Dhyan Chand should have been the first sportsperson from India to have got this award.

As speculation around who will get the Bharat Ratna continues, Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson has suggested making separate categories for pre- and post-independence personalities.

He has said that former prime ministers should be ineligible for the award.