The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was presented to four top athletes of India by President Draupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. These four top athletes were double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic and gold medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar.
Manu Bhaker won the bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event at the Olympics in Paris, making history as the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. At the Olympics, she then accomplished something that no other Indian had ever done. She became the first athlete from India to win two medals at the same Games when she and Sarabjot Singh won another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.
When Manu Bhaker’s achievements were being read out before receiving the award from the president, the famous shooter made a big mistake. Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker started walking away even before the announcement ended, realized her mistake after 15 seconds, and had a strange smile on her face before walking towards the president 10 seconds later to receive the award.
In December 2024, at the age of 18, Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever world chess champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren, solidifying his quick rise to prominence in the game. Following Viswanathan Anand, he became the second Indian to win the prestigious FIDE World Championship in Singapore.
The Indian men’s hockey team’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, received praise for his outstanding play and leadership. Harmanpreet was a vital member of India’s Olympic bronze-winning squad in Tokyo and helped the team win another bronze in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He is now regarded as one of the prominent players in Indian hockey as a result of his accomplishments.
At the 2024 Paralympics, Praveen Kumar, who was born with a short left leg, defied all expectations to win a gold medal in the Men’s High Jump T64. His remarkable abilities and perseverance were demonstrated when he won a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics.
In addition to the Khel Ratna winners, 32 athletes received the Arjuna Award. They included shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, as well as wrestler Aman Sehrawat. Considering India’s outstanding success in the Paris Paralympics, where they won 29 medals, including seven golds, it is notable that 17 of the Arjuna Award recipients were para-athletes. The Dronacharya Award for lifetime accomplishment was also given out at the National Sports Awards to former football coach Armando Agnelo Colaco, who was important in the growth of Indian football.
The event highlighted India’s ongoing achievement on the international stage while showcasing its wide range of athletic skills.
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