The Times of India criticizes the decision of awarding Khel Ratna to D. Gukesh in 2024 by pointing out procedural rigidity and questioning eligibility criteria and timing. It totally forgets the fact that Gukesh’s feat of becoming world chess champion at 18 years has historic value and this victory is something more than just bureaucratic timelines but a landmark in Indian sports history. It asks for flexibility in governance and flexibility in deviating from traditional norms so that such excellence is recognized. This is an evolving concept of sportiness brilliancy-by calling extraordinary achievement, irrespective of time considerations, in terms of immediate recognition and celebration.