Ace shooter GaganNarang has been chosen for the country's highest sporting honour -- Rajiv Gandhi KhelRatna -- for 2010-2011.
Narang, who won four gold medals in 2010 Commonwealth Games, was disappointed at missing out of the honour last year. He was chosen ahead of tennis star SomdevDevvarman, fellow shooter RonjanSodhi, athlete Krishna Poonia and rower BajrangLalTakhar.
Narang is one of India's prime gold medal hopes at 2012 London Olympics and the latest honour should spur him for greater deeds next year. While Ronjon had won gold in World Shooting Championship and Asian Games, Gagan had won bronze in these two events.
Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan was chosen for the Arjuna Award along with Asian Games gold medallistPreejaSreedharan, archer Rahul Banerjee and gymnast Ashish Kumar amongst others.
The awardees are:
Rajiv Gandhi KhelRatna Award:
GaganNarang (Shooter)
Arjuna Awrdees:
Zaher Khan (Cricket)
Ashish Kumar (Gymnastics)
Rahul Banerjee (Archer)
P Sridharan (Athletics)