In a momentous recognition of their stellar achievements, four outstanding athletes—shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar—have been named recipients of this year’s prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour.
The awards ceremony will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, where the President of India will confer the honours in a grand function to be organized by the Sports Ministry.
Manu Bhaker Makes History
Manu Bhaker, 22, etched her name in history as the first Indian athlete to secure two medals in a single Olympic edition. Her incredible performance in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events earned her bronze medals at the 2024 Olympics, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for Indian sports.
Gukesh, the Youngest Chess World Champion
Chess sensation D Gukesh, 18, continued to astound the world by becoming the youngest-ever Chess World Champion. Adding to his triumph, he led the Indian team to a historic gold at the Chess Olympiad in 2024, further solidifying India’s position on the global chess map.
Harmanpreet Singh Leads India to Hockey Glory
Harmanpreet Singh’s exceptional leadership guided the Indian hockey team to a bronze medal at the Olympics, marking their second consecutive podium finish u nder his captaincy.
Praveen Kumar’s Paralympic Triumph
Para high-jumper Praveen Kumar claimed gold in the T64 category at the Paris Paralympics, a feat that inspired millions. The T64 classification recognizes athletes with below-knee amputations who compete using prosthetic limbs.
The announcement underscores the athletes’ extraordinary contributions to Indian sports, inspiring a generation and elevating the nation’s global stature.
Stay tuned for more updates as India prepares to honor its finest sporting heroes in the upcoming ceremony.
