Dhyan Chand, Sachin top contenders for Bharat Ratna

Sachin Tendulkar and hockey wizard, Major Dhyan Chand are top contenders for the Bharat Ratna award in the sports category, sports minister Ajay Maken said here yesterday.u00a0The Government has modified rules to the pave way for sportspersons to be eligible for the highest civilian award of the country.

The new rules, providing eligibility of persons excelling in fields other than art, literature, science and public service for the Bharat Ratna were notified on November 16.

"Both of them, I think, should be the top contenders, but there are many other contenders for the Bharat Ratna award if it is given to a sportsperson.u00a0Ultimately, the decision has to be taken by the Prime Minister. He takes the decision and recommends it to the President,"u00a0added Maken.

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