Bharat Ratna: Dhyan Chand, Tenzing figure

The name of veteran hockey player Dhyan Chand was recommended by the Sports Ministry on Wednesday for the honor of Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award given for the highest degrees of national service.

The ministry, apart from Chand, also recommended the name Nepalese Indian Sherpa mountaineer Late Tenzing Norgay, popularly known as Sherpa Tenzing.

Tenzing is amongst the most acclaimed mountain climbers in history. He was one of the first two individuals known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

With these names coming to light, the speculation regarding that of master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar continues, who was earlier running in the league to bag the honor.

Reports suggest that Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) has not sent the name of Tendulkar for the honor.

On the other hand, Rajiv Shukla denied such reports saying that the ministry itself decides the names and BCCI has no power in this.

Bharat Ratna was earlier awarded to people for dedicated service in art, literature, science as well to those recognized for the public service of the highest order.

However, in 2011, the Minister for Home Affairs and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to change the eligibility criteria to allow sportspersons to receive the award.

Great personalities like Mother Teresa, C.V. Raman, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru among others have been the recipient of this honour.