And the award goes to... Advani recives Khel ratna

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Pankaj Advani led the star parade as President A P J Abdul Kalam bestowed on him Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and honoured 22 sportspersons with Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards at a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here today.

The President also gave away Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award to four persons for their outstanding contribution in the fields of land, air and water adventure.

Resplendent Darbar Hall echoed with thunderous applause as IBSF World Billiard Champion Pankaj Advani walked up to the stage to receive the trophy from the President.

Fifteen players from different disciplines, including ace shooter Gagan Narang and top shuttler Aparna Popat, recieved Arjuna award for their outstanding performances in 2005 while four coaches were given Dronacharya Award. Three players from yesteryear were recognised for the achievement they accumulated in their lifetimes and were presented with Dhyan Chand Award.

''(I) can't describe the feeling in words,'' reacted Advani, who returned today from San Jose, US, where he guided India 'A' to the finals of the juniors event in World Snooker Team Championships.

''It was a 30-hour long flight and I was very tired, but now I am feeling refreshed. This Khel Ratna Award is my biggest achievement by far,'' added Advani, who was presented with Arjuna Award at the very place two years ago.

However, the biggest round of applause was in store for Rajinder Singh Rahelu, a powerlifter, who received the Arjuna Award in the Physically Handicapped category.

President Kalam left the stage and walked up to the wheel chair-bound Athens Paralympics bronze medallist, to present the trophy and the cheque.

''Its a dream come true. I am at a loss of words. I feel like I've proved that being a physically challenged can't stop you from achieving what you desire,'' Rahelu told UNI later.