New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam on August 29 gave away the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards 2002 to outstanding sportspersons at a glittering ceremony from all over the country for this "lifetime experience".

The President also gave away the prizes to the Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand Awardees in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Sports Minister Vikram Verma, Minister of state for Sports Vijay Goel and Shipping Minister Shathrughna Sinha.

Controversies and bitterness were set aside, as the ceremony unfolded with the customary national anthem.

Khel Ratna winners – shooter Anjali Bhagwat and athlete K M Beenamol attired in lemon yellow silk sarees and maroon blazers -- were the first to walk up to the President to collect their medal, a scroll of honour and a trophy amidst thunderous applause.

The cash prize of Rs five lakh was split between Anjali and Beenamol, but there were no hard feelings.

"The honour is more important than the money bit of it," said a beaming Anjali as photographers jostled to capture the charming shooter on their cameras.

Beenamol too joined in, saying she did not mind sharing the award as it did not in any way devalue the honour.

PTI