NEW DELHI: Olympic Bronze Medallist Manu Bhaker and Chess prodigy D Gukesh are about to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The announcement comes after a week of controversy, when it was revealed that Bhaker’s nomination was overlooked.
Manu Bhaker later acknowledged a possible ‘lapse’ on her part while applying for the nomination. “I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part, while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this matter,” she had said earlier.
Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition, claiming bronze in both the 10m air pistol mixed team events.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Champion in Chess contributing a gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad previous year.
Both of them will receive their accolades from the President of India during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
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