OREANDA-NEWS. August 29, 2011. Air India has added another feather in its cap as ace shooter Gagan Narang, who is employed with the national carrier, became the proud recipient of the country’s highest sporting honour the “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna” award in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in Delhi today. Narang received his award at the hands of the Hon’ble President of India Mrs.Pratibha Patil.

India’s top champion rifle shooter, Gagan did the country proud by winning four gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi, and also bagging the silver in the men’s 10m air rifle singles event at the Asian Games last year besides winning a team silver at the Asian Games in the 10m air rifle event. He was thus, a natural choice for this prestigious award for his excellent performance. Earlier too, he has participated at the Athens and Beijing Olympics, and has won over 40 medals in prestigious international events including 4 Golds at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2005.

Air India has, over the years, played a key role in the promotion of sports in the country by recruiting and supporting budding sportspersons. Air Indians have performed remarkably in various sports and represented India in several international events including the Olympic Games. The airline has as many as 150 sportsmen and women on its rolls.