Chandigarh, Dec 27 (IANS): While reiterating that Major Dhyan Chand should be conferred the Bharat Ratna, legendary athlete Milkha Singh conveyed his congratulations to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late freedom fighter-educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya on being named for India's highest civilian honour.

“I wish to congratulate Vajpayeeji for a very deserving recognition. And I am very happy to see the posthumous recognition for Malviyaji for his service to the nation in many ways," Milkha said.

However, Milkha said that former hockey superstar Dhyan Chand, who powered India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936, too deserves the honour.

"I also wish to see the Bharat Ratna conferred on Dhyan Chand for his tremendous service to our country. He made India proud. To build sports consciousness in our country and the character building it leads to, we need to honour our sportsmen as they help both by bringing laurels to the country and also inspiring many to work hard at whatever they do," Milkha, who participated in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, said.

"It was good to see Sachin (Tendulkar) get it last year and hopefully Dhyan Chand too. Though, ideally it should be given when a person is alive."