Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar are also recipients of India’s highest sporting honor.
The Sports Ministry has finalized four exceptional athletes for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India. Among the honorees are double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy and world champion D Gukesh, men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar.
The announcement, made on Thursday, also included a list of 32 athletes, 17 of whom are para-athletes, selected for the Arjuna Awards.
A Journey of Excellence
Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old trailblazer, made history by becoming independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. Her remarkable performances in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events earned her bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite initial concerns about her nomination being overlooked, Bhaker remained humble and focused.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she addressed the controversy surrounding her nomination:
“Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my ultimate goal. I believe there might have been a lapse on my part while filing the nomination, which is being corrected. Regardless of the award, my dedication to winning medals for my country remains unwavering.”
Gukesh: A Chess Prodigy
At just 18 years old, D Gukesh has already cemented his legacy in chess. He became the youngest-ever World Champion, leading India to a historic gold at the Chess Olympiad last year. Gukesh’s achievements have inspired a new generation of chess players and brought international recognition to Indian chess.
Harmanpreet Singh: Hockey’s Pillar of Strength
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian men’s hockey team secured its second consecutive bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Singh’s strategic brilliance and on-field resilience have solidified his status as one of India’s finest hockey players.
Praveen Kumar: A Champion of Determination
The fourth recipient, Praveen Kumar, made history at the Paris Paralympics, where he was crowned the T64 high-jump champion. Competing in the T64 classification, which includes athletes using prosthetic limbs, Praveen’s gold medal exemplifies determination and courage, making him a source of inspiration for para-athletes worldwide.
Recognition Ceremony
The awardees will receive their honors from the President of India at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM, according to an official press release from the Sports Ministry.
A Legacy of Motivation
The Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award recognizes unparalleled contributions to Indian sports and serves as a beacon of motivation for future athletes. The inclusion of athletes from diverse fields—shooting, chess, hockey, and para-sports—highlights the growing prominence of sports beyond cricket in India.
As the nation celebrates the achievements of these remarkable athletes, their stories stand as a testament to hard work, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Indian sportsmanship.
Stay tuned for more updates on the award ceremony and the latest in Indian sports.
