Four elite Indian athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances and achievements in the field of sports by President Droupadi Murmu. The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was presented to D. Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s success in various international events. Along with these four honorees, 32 athletes were also awarded with the Arjuna Award during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu Honors Elite Indian Athletes
On January 17, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to four outstanding Indian athletes: D. Gukesh (chess), Manu Bhaker (shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (hockey), and Praveen Kumar (wrestling). These awards recognize their exceptional contributions to India's sporting accomplishments on the international stage.
Background
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sports honor, established in 1991-92 in memory of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. It is awarded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to individuals for their outstanding performance in sports.
Honorees
D. Gukesh: The youngest Grandmaster in chess history, Gukesh has won numerous international tournaments, including the Asian Continental Chess Championship and the World Under-18 Championship.
Manu Bhaker: A world-class shooter, Bhaker has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships, including a gold medal in the women's 10m air pistol at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Harmanpreet Singh: Captain of the Indian hockey team, Singh led the team to a bronze medal at the 2023 Tokyo Olympics and a silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Praveen Kumar: A freestyle wrestler, Kumar won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Arjuna Award Recipients
In addition to the Khel Ratna Awards, 32 athletes were also awarded the Arjuna Award for their outstanding achievements in various sports. Some of the notable recipients include:
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the Khel Ratna Award? A1: Any Indian citizen who has made an outstanding contribution to sports is eligible for the award.
Q2: How are Khel Ratna winners selected? A2: A committee of experts evaluates the nominees and recommends the winners to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Q3: What other prestigious sports awards are given in India? A3: Besides the Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, other prestigious sports awards include the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Q4: Who was the first recipient of the Khel Ratna Award? A4: Sachin Tendulkar (cricket) in 1991-92.
Q5: What is the cash prize for the Khel Ratna Award? A5: Rs. 25 lakhs (approximately USD 30,000)
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