Former football captain demands Bharat Ratna for Jaspal Rana

New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) Hailing ace marksman Jaspal Rana for defying heavy odds and bringing three Gold medals from the Asian Games, former national football captain Prasun Banerjee today demanded Bharat Ratna award for the shooter.

''I know this is the highest honour of the country but if musicians and people from other walks of life can get it, why not a sportsperson?'' asked Prasun.

''I have participated in three Asiads -- 1974, '78 and '82 and I know how much blood and sweat it takes to win a Gold and Jaspal has won three. This is not a matter of joke.

''He has achieved a rare feat and the country needs to recognise that and I feel a mere Khel Ratna won't do. I may sound outrageous but if you confer Bharat Ratna on him, that would go a long way in producing more and more shooters who would bring us laurels at the Asian and Olympic levels,'' he told UNI over phone.

''I would also thank Doordarshan for bringing the Asian Games to our drawing room and having an Information and Broadcasting Minister who heads the football federation also helped,'' Prasun added.

UNI AY PM DS1415