India's limited-overs vice-captain and opening batsman, Rohit Sharma, said on Thursday (August 27) receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award has further motivated him to perform for his country and he feels privileged to be among the selected few to get the nation's highest sporting honour.
Rohit has played 32 Tests, 224 ODIs, 108 T20Is and scored over 13,000 international runs. Apart from that, he has been stepping up as an able deputy whenever required in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli.
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The 33-year-old will be the fourth Indian cricketer to be conferred with the Khel Ratna behind Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Kohli, three of the greatest cricketers, when he receives it on the National Sports Day on August 29.
"It feels great to be receiving the highest sporting honour. I am so, so happy and privileged to receive this award. I would like to thank the Sports Minister and the BCCI for acknowledging and recommending my name. I promise to keep working hard and continue to bring laurels to my country," Rohit said in a video posted on the official BCCI Twitter handle.
"It's a wonderful group to be a part of - all these three names mentioned (Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli) who have done wonders to our country and brought so much joy to the country. And joining this list is a great honour. I am very happy about it."
"To be recognised for anything you do for your country is a big motivating factor and I will always strive to bring happiness and joy to our country," he added.
"To my fans, my support system and my family - thank you very much. This would not have been possible without you. Keep supporting and keep getting behind the team. Thank you very much."
This will be the first time National Sports Awards are held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A report by the ANI stated, "President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will present the award to the award winners in virtual mode. In the virtual format, the President of India will be attending through NIC link from the President's house, via video conferencing, while the recipients will be present at SAI and NIC centres in various locations across the country."
"The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju and other dignitaries will be present in Vigyan Bhawan for the award ceremony."
"There are 74 awards in seven categories. Total 65 award winners will be attending the function from various locations. Nine award winners will not attend due to several reasons like being quarantined, tested positive, ill-health or not in the country etc."
