In a historic honor of sports, pistol shooter Manu Bhaker and Chess Player D Gukesh will be honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, the highest honor in Indian sports for the athletes who has made a exceptional achievement in their fields. Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para- athlete Praveen Kumar have also been listed in it.
The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
What is Khel Ratna Award?
The Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award is the highest award for sports in India, awarded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The award recognizes athletes for their outstanding performances at international events such as Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth games. Named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the accolade not only celebrates individual excellence but also inspires younger generations to pursue sports. The athletes of the Khel Ratna are selected based on their performance over four years, with achievements in major tournaments playing a crucial role.
Historic Achievements at the Olympics and Beyond
Image Source: Olympics.com22 years old Manu Bhaker, created history by winning bronze in the 10m pistol individual and mixed team events at Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian Athlete since Independence, to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
18 years old D Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. His success began in early 2024, when he won the Candidates Tournament, earning his spot in the World Chess Championship. Gukesh also led India to gold at the Budapest Chess Olympiad.
Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh guided the national team to its second consecutive Olympic bronze in Paris.
Meanwhile, para-athlete Praveen Kumar secured gold in the T64 high jump at the Paris Paralympics. The T64 classification is for athletes with lower limb amputations who compete with prosthetic limbs.
Focus on Para-Athletes and Additional Honours
This year marks a significant emphasis on para-athletes, with 17 para-athletes included in the 32 recipients of the Arjuna Award. These athletes were honored for their exceptional performances at the Paris Paralympics.
As India continues to shine on the global sporting stage, the Khel Ratna awards celebrate the resilience, talent, and achievements of athletes who inspire a new generation to pursue excellence.
Sources: The Indian Express , The Hindu
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