Manu Bhaker and D. Gukesh chosen for the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
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Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win multiple medals in a single edition. She won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another in the mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal.
In 2024, Indian chess had a remarkable year. 18-year-old Gukesh became the youngest World chess champion, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record. He secured his title with a win over China’s Ding Liren in Singapore.
Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who led India to a bronze at the Paris Olympics and a victory in the Asian Champions Trophy, along with Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar (high jump), were also honored with the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The Ministry also announced 32 Arjuna Award winners, including 17 para-athletes.
National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize excellence in sports. The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is for exceptional performances in the past four years. The Arjuna Award recognizes good performance and qualities like leadership and discipline over the previous four years, while the Arjuna Lifetime Award honors athletes who have excelled and continue promoting sports after retiring.
The awards will be given out at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
