Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar Awarded Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2025
Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar Honored with Khel Ratna Award
In a momentous announcement, ace shooter Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been named recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. This accolade celebrates their exceptional contributions to Indian sports and will be presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
Outstanding Achievements
Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history as the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, securing bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events at the Paris Games.
Harmanpreet Singh, as the captain of the Indian hockey team, guided his squad to its second consecutive bronze medal, further solidifying India’s position in international hockey.
At just 18 years old, D Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion and played a pivotal role in India’s historic gold medal victory at the Chess Olympiad.
Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar triumphed in the T64 high jump category at the Paris Paralympics, showcasing incredible talent and resilience among athletes with below-knee amputations.
Selection Process and Other Awards
This year, the Khel Ratna award process saw a substantial number of applications, reviewed meticulously by a Selection Committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian. The committee comprised distinguished sportspersons, sports journalists, and experienced sports administrators.
In addition to the Khel Ratna, 32 athletes have been selected for the Arjuna Awards 2024, recognizing outstanding performance across various sports.
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