Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, and Three Others to Receive Khel Ratna from President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

In a glittering National Sports Awards ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, double Olympic-medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and teenage chess sensation D Gukesh were honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony was met with a euphoric round of applause as the athletes walked up to receive India’s highest sporting honor on Friday.

Other Major Recipients of the Khel Ratna Award

Alongside Bhaker and Gukesh, two other deserving athletes also received the Khel Ratna award. Men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold-medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar were the other honorees. Harmanpreet had contributed to the Indian men’s hockey team's success, winning bronze medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, who was born with a short left leg, upgraded his silver medal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games to a gold at the Paris 2024 Games, marking a monumental achievement in his sporting career.

Arjuna Award Recognizes 32 Athletes, Including Para-Athletes

In addition to the Khel Ratna awards, the National Sports Awards also honored 32 athletes with the Arjuna Award. A remarkable 17 of the awardees were para-athletes, reflecting the extraordinary performance of Indian para-athletes in the Paris Paralympic Games. These athletes brought home 29 medals, including seven gold and nine silver, showcasing India’s growing prominence in para-sports.

Arjuna Award Winners from Various Sports

The list of Arjuna Award recipients included Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler Aman Sehrawat, shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, as well as several members of the men’s hockey team, including Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, and Abhishek. Their remarkable performances at international sporting events earned them recognition and admiration from the nation.

Manu Bhaker: A Trailblazer in Indian Shooting

Manu Bhaker, at just 22 years old, etched her name in history as independent India's first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Her outstanding performances at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in both the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event, earned her the Khel Ratna. Bhaker's achievements have elevated India’s reputation in shooting sports on the global stage.

D Gukesh: The Youngest Chess World Champion

D Gukesh, only 18 years old, made history by becoming the youngest-ever chess world champion. His victory over China’s Ding Liren last month made him the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the world chess title. Gukesh’s rise in the world of chess is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work, positioning him as one of the future stars of Indian sports.

The Role of the National Sports Awards in Recognizing Excellence

The National Sports Awards, which include the Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards, are a reflection of India’s growing investment in its athletes and their success on the global stage. The awards are determined based on a points system that places a significant emphasis on performances delivered at the Olympics and World Championships, making them a crucial recognition of an athlete's dedication and skill.

Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Indian Sports

The 2024 National Sports Awards were a proud moment for Indian sports, celebrating the achievements of athletes who have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields. With athletes like Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar leading the way, India is poised for even greater success in the international sports arena. The recognition of 32 Arjuna Award winners, including a record number of para-athletes, underscores the inclusive and diverse growth of Indian sports.