Four athletes including Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh to get Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award
India’s highest sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, will be conferred upon four outstanding athletes this year: shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy and world champion D Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. The announcement was made on Thursday, recognizing their remarkable achievements and contributions to Indian sports.
Manu Bhaker, 22, created history by becoming independent India’s first athlete to secure two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Competing in the 10m air pistol events, she clinched bronze in both the individual and mixed team categories at the Games held in August. Her outstanding performances have cemented her status as one of India’s brightest shooting stars.
In the same event, Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian men’s hockey team to another significant milestone, securing their second consecutive bronze medal. As the captain, Harmanpreet’s leadership and on-field prowess were instrumental in maintaining India’s stronghold in international hockey.
D Gukesh, at just 18 years old, achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the youngest world chess champion. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in helping India secure a historic gold medal in the Chess Olympiad last year. Gukesh’s achievements have solidified his place among the world’s elite chess players and have brought immense pride to the nation.
The fourth honoree, para-athlete Praveen Kumar, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the T64 category at the Paris Paralympics. Competing in the high jump, Praveen emerged as the champion, earning a gold medal in his event. The T64 classification is designated for athletes with lower-limb impairments who rely on prosthetic limbs for running. His victory is a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
According to a press release by the Sports Ministry, the award ceremony will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President of India will present the prestigious awards to the recipients at a specially organized function.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest accolade in Indian sports, and it is given to athletes who demonstrate outstanding performance at the international level. This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of disciplines, highlighting the breadth of talent and determination among India’s sportspersons. Their achievements inspire future generations and underscore India’s growing presence on the global sporting stage.
