As many as 100 former hockey players and former hockey federation members staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi yesterday, demanding Bharat Ratna for legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Speaking to media, Ashok Kumar, son of the legendary player, said his father was inspiration for a number of players who won Arjuna award, Padma award and Khel Ratna. He said, the person who inspired others with his performance has been rejected. The former players included former captains Ajitpal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Dilip Tirkey and Mukesh Kumar. Member of Parliament Dilip Tirkey said, it is a shame that they have to demand Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand whose contribution is not just limited to Indian hockey but to the world. Zafar Iqbal said, Dhyan Chand has been an inspiration to many and is no less than Muhammed Ali in Boxing, Pele in Football and Don Bradman in Cricket.Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik also presented an artwork on the occasion to support the demand.