The CEO of GoSports Foundation, Deepthi Bopaiah, expressed concern over India's lack of preparation for hosting the 2036 Olympics, which the country has bid for. Emphasizing the need to focus on mid-level and young talents, she stressed on the importance of going beyond just elite athletes. With Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea also vying for the privilege, the competition will be tough and rigorous.
Nishant Dev, a young boxer from India, has recently turned professional after being inspired by legends like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The 23-year-old made his debut in the professional boxing world after falling in love with the sport while watching YouTube videos. Despite his loss in the Paris Olympics, Nishant's decision to go pro was not influenced by that defeat and he continues to train hard under the guidance of former American boxer Ronald Simms.
President Droupadi Murmu commended India's achievements in international sports competitions, such as the Olympics, Paralympics, and World Chess Championship, in her address to Parliament. She highlighted the government's efforts in developing a top-notch sports ecosystem through initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS, as well as the establishment of the National Sports University. President Murmu also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports, with a special centre for Divyang athletes and India's growing dominance in chess. Additionally, she highlighted the Fit India Movement as a key initiative to empower the country's youth.
Paris Olympics bronze-winning rifle shooter Swapnil Kusale reveals his determination to upgrade his medal to gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, citing his coach Deepali Deshpande's imparted mindset as a crucial factor in his success. Deshpande, who received the Dronacharya Award on the same day as Kusale's Arjuna Award, also emphasizes the importance of a clear mindset in winning medals at major events. The duo's strong coach-athlete bond and shared national recognition serve as a celebratory moment for their "family" in shooting sports.
18-year-old D Gukesh, who made history as the youngest ever world chess champion, has his sights set on seeing chess become an Olympic sport. At a recent felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, Gukesh expressed his desire for chess to be included in the Olympics, especially if it's in India. The President of India honored him with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, making him just the second chess player after Viswanathan Anand to receive the prestigious award. Despite achieving great success at a young age, Gukesh remains determined to continue working hard and bringing more accolades to his country.
Indian athletes including boxer Saweety Boora and hockey players were awarded the prestigious Arjuna Awards by President Droupadi Murmu during the National Sports Awards ceremony. Chess grandmaster Vantika Agrawal and athlete Jyothi Yarraji were also conferred with the Arjuna Award for their remarkable performances at the Chess Olympiad and Paris Olympics respectively. Boora dedicated her award to her family and supporters, while Vantika was part of the first-ever Indian women's team to win gold at the Chess Olympiad. Despite not qualifying for the semifinals at the Olympics, Jyothi's achievement was recognized through this honor.
President Droupadi Murmu honoured some of the country's top athletes with the prestigious sports award - Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This award is given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports and is given to sportspersons for their outstanding performance in their respective fields over a period of four years. This year's recipients include the youngest-ever World Chess Champion Gukesh D, Paris Olympics and Paralympics medallists Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. Additionally, 17 para-athletes were also honoured with the Arjuna Award, which is given for outstanding performance in sports and games with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
The Indian sports community is in celebration as shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been selected as recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker's historic double-medal win at the Olympics, along with Harmanpreet's leadership in securing a second consecutive bronze for the Indian hockey team, were highlights of their achievements. Gukesh's victory as the youngest ever chess world champion and helping India win the gold in Chess Olympiad, and Praveen's T64 championship win in Paralympics, have also earned them the prestigious award. The award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the awardees will receive this recognition from the President of India.
Indian athletes Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh have been selected to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honor in the country. This announcement comes alongside the nomination of Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar for the same award. The recipients will receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2025. Bhaker and Gukesh have made their mark in their respective sports, with Bhaker making history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics, and Gukesh becoming the youngest ever World Chess champion.
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been in the spotlight for her omission from the list of nominees for the Khel Ratna award. Amid the ongoing controversy, she took to social media to clarify her stance, stating that as an athlete, her priority is to play and perform for her country. She also emphasized that awards are not her ultimate goal, and despite the disappointment, she remains motivated to win more medals for India. The criticism from her coach and father highlights the frustration and disappointment with the sports ministry and selection committee, who overlooked her record-breaking achievements at the Olympics.