Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, and two others have been awarded the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna for their exceptional achievements in sports.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and chess world champion D Gukesh are among four athletes selected for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by the Sports Ministry on Thursday. This honor, the highest recognition for sportspersons in India, will also be conferred upon men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar.
Recognition for Sporting Excellence
The Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the pinnacle of sporting accolades in India, celebrating the dedication and achievements of athletes who bring glory to the nation. Manu Bhaker’s stellar performances at the Olympics and D Gukesh’s meteoric rise in the chess world have earned them this top honor. Alongside them, Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership in securing consecutive bronze medals in hockey and Praveen Kumar’s remarkable feat in para-athletics solidify their places among India’s elite athletes
A Closer Look at the Honorees
Manu Bhaker, at just 22 years old, has etched her name in history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Her outstanding achievements include a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol individual event and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event during the Tokyo Games. Bhaker’s commitment to excellence and her ability to perform under pressure have made her a role model for aspiring shooters.
Chess prodigy D Gukesh, only 18, has taken the global chess scene by storm. Last year, he became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, a milestone that also saw him lead India to a historic gold medal in the Chess Olympiad. Gukesh’s rapid rise and strategic brilliance have positioned him as one of the brightest stars in Indian sports.
Harmanpreet Singh’s contributions to Indian hockey have been invaluable. Under his captaincy, the men’s team clinched its second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics, showcasing resilience and teamwork. Harmanpreet’s defensive prowess and leadership qualities have earned him accolades both on and off the field.
Paralympian Praveen Kumar’s journey is equally inspiring. Competing in the T64 classification, which is designated for athletes with below-knee amputations who use prosthetics, Praveen secured gold at the Paris Paralympics in the high jump event. His determination and skill have broken barriers and brought recognition to para-athletics in India.
Arjuna Awards Announced
In addition to the Khel Ratna recipients, the Sports Ministry has named 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, for the Arjuna Award. This recognition honors consistent and outstanding performance in sports, further highlighting India’s growing stature on the global sporting stage.
A Controversy Addressed
Earlier, reports surfaced claiming that Manu Bhaker’s name was missing from the list of athletes recommended for the Khel Ratna Award. This omission led to a significant uproar, with her father, Ram Kishan, and coach, Jaspal Rana, expressing their disappointment. However, Bhaker addressed the issue with grace, acknowledging a possible oversight in her nomination process.
“With regards to the ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award, I would like to state that as an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country. Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my ultimate goal. I believe there may have been a lapse, possibly on my part, while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award, I remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this matter,” Bhaker wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Award Ceremony
The Sports Ministry announced that the awardees would receive their honors from the President of India at a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025. This momentous event will recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of India’s finest athletes
Impact of the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Khel Ratna Award serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes across the country. It not only celebrates individual excellence but also underscores the importance of sports in uniting and uplifting the nation. The inclusion of athletes from diverse disciplines—shooting, chess, hockey, and para-athletics—reflects India’s growing prowess in various sports arenas.
Future Prospects
Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, this recognition is a milestone in their illustrious careers. As they continue to strive for excellence, their achievements inspire millions of young Indians to dream big and pursue sports with passion and determination. The Sports Ministry’s emphasis on honoring both able-bodied and para-athletes highlights an inclusive approach to nurturing talent, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2025 celebrates not only the individual brilliance of these four athletes but also the collective spirit of Indian sports. Their stories of perseverance, resilience, and triumph are a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, ensuring that India’s sporting legacy continues to thrive.{1}
FAQs
What is the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award?
The Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, recognizing athletes for their exceptional achievements and contributions to sports.
Who were the recipients of the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2025?
The 2025 recipients include Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, each honored for their outstanding performances in shooting, chess, hockey, and para-athletics.
Why was Manu Bhaker’s name initially missing from the list of nominees?
Manu Bhaker’s name was initially omitted due to a possible oversight in the nomination process. She later addressed the issue, clarifying that it might have been an error on her part during the filing process.
When will the Khel Ratna Award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will be held on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the recipients will receive their honors from the President of India.
What other awards were announced alongside the Khel Ratna?
Along with the Khel Ratna, the Sports Ministry announced the Arjuna Award for 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, recognizing their consistent and outstanding performance in sports.
By watchnewz