A festive mood prevailed in remote Kombodinji village in Kerala's Idukki district when news spread that athlete Beenamol had been selected for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award by the Arjuna Awards Committee.

For the remote village, Beenamol is not just a major sportsperson who reaped honours in the country and outside, but a symbol of development.

"It is because of her that we got a good road and other development projects. We are all happy and proud that she is getting the country's highest sports honour," a villager said.

There was a steady stream of visitors to Beenamol's home since Saturday evening with relatives and well-wishers sharing their happiness with Beenamol's father Mathew and mother Marykutty.

Beenamol, attending a coaching camp in Patiala, called up her home to talk to her parents, sister Reena and brother Biju.

'It was around three in the afternoon when we first received a call from Delhi saying that Beena is being considered for some big honour. Around six in the evening, it was confirmed," Mathew told reporters.