Indian shooter Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy Gukesh D were awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu in a grand ceremony held in New Delhi.
They were joined by two other exceptional athletes—hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete high jumper Praveen Kumar—making it a memorable day for Indian sports.
Exceptional Achievements in Sports
Manu Bhaker, who made history by becoming the first Indian since Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, has firmly established herself as one of India’s brightest shooting stars. Meanwhile, Gukesh D’s extraordinary feat of becoming the youngest chess world champion added another chapter to India’s sporting glory.
Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in India clinching bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Para-athlete Praveen Kumar, with his remarkable performances, secured silver and gold in the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games, respectively.
Arjuna Award Honors 32 More Athletes
In addition to the Khel Ratna Award recipients, 32 athletes were conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award for their consistent performances across various sports.
This celebration of India’s sporting talent showcases the nation’s growing prominence on the global stage, inspiring future generations to aim for excellence. The awards reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting and recognizing athletes who make the country proud.
