In a landmark announcement on January 2, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Sports revealed that four athletes, including shooter Manu Bhaker, World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, will be honoured with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting accolade. These athletes have been recognized for their exceptional performances in their respective sports over the past few years.
Manu Bhaker: A Historic Feat in Olympic Shooting – Manu Bhaker’s inclusion in the list marks a significant achievement for Indian shooting sports. Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian since Independence to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Games. The 18-year-old won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. This made her the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic shooting medal, solidifying her place as one of India’s brightest sporting talents.
D. Gukesh: A Chess Legend in the Making – Indian chess also had a remarkable year in 2024, with 18-year-old D. Gukesh etching his name into the sport’s history. The young prodigy broke a long-standing record by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record. His decisive victory over China’s Ding Liren in the 14th round of the World Chess Championship in Singapore not only made headlines globally but also placed Gukesh in the ranks of the world’s greatest chess players, securing his place as a national hero in India’s sports community.
Harmanpreet Singh: Leading Indian Hockey to New Heights – Men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh was also named as one of the recipients of the Khel Ratna. Under his leadership, the Indian men’s hockey team clinched a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Singh, known for his lethal drag-flicks and leadership skills, also guided the team to a title victory in the Asian Champions Trophy. His contribution to Indian hockey has been immense, and this award further cements his legacy as one of the country’s finest athletes in the sport.
Praveen Kumar: A Paralympic Hero – The fourth recipient, para-athlete Praveen Kumar, made his mark in the high-jump event at the Paris Paralympics, where he was crowned the T64 champion. The T64 classification is specifically for athletes who have one or both legs missing below the knee and rely on a prosthetic leg for running. Kumar’s achievement at the Paralympics was nothing short of inspirational, and this recognition adds to his growing list of accolades. His perseverance and determination have made him a beacon of hope for aspiring para-athletes across the country.
Award Ceremony Details
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the recipients will be honoured by the President of India in a specially organized function.
Additionally, the Ministry also announced 32 recipients for the Arjuna Award, including 17 para-athletes. These prestigious awards are given annually to recognise and reward excellence in sports. The Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is presented to athletes for their outstanding performances over the last four years, while the Arjuna Award celebrates athletes who have excelled throughout their careers and continue to promote sports even after retirement.
These recognitions highlight the growing prominence of Indian sports on the world stage and the country’s commitment to encouraging athletic excellence across all disciplines.
BY – KARTIK
