Sunil Chhetri nominated for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi for Arjuna award

Talismanic India captain Sunil Chhetri has been recommended for this year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, country's highest sporting hour, by All India Football Federation.

National women's football team striker Bala Devi, who is currently playing for Rangers in Scottish Women's Premier League, has been recommended for coveted Arjuna Award.

"We have recommended Sunil Chhetri for Khel Ratna and Bala Devi for Arjuna Award," an official source told PTI on condition of anymity.

"We have also recommended Gabriel Joseph for Dronacharya Award," source ded.

36-year-old Chhetri has been in tremendous form for country and for his club Bengaluru FC in last few years. He has played 118 international matches, scoring 74 goals, both Indian records.

He scored twice against Banglesh in recent World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar to become second highest international goal scorer among active footballers, ahe of Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.

He is, however, currently in fourth spot with United Arab Emirates' Ali Mabkhout (76) and Messi (75) having overtaken him.

Chhetri is a recipient of Pma Shri (2019), country's fourth highest civilian hour, and Arjuna Award (2011).

Since making debut in 2005, Chhetri has been part of Indian team that won AFC Challenge Cup (2008), SAFF Championships (2011, 2015), Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012), Intercontinental Cup (2017, 2018). He also played in 2011 and 2019 Asian Cup.

31-year-old Devi, on or hand, became first Indian woman footballer to play for a top-flight PROFESSIONAL league in Europe when she joined Rangers of Glasgow in January last year.

She has played more than 50 matches for country since 2010 and will play an important role in national team during AFC Women's Asian Cup to be hosted by country next year.