The Indian sports fraternity is celebrating the remarkable achievements of several athletes who have been recognized with prestigious awards for their outstanding performances in 2024. Among them are Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, who have been named the recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. Additionally, the Arjuna Awards for 2024 have also been conferred on 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, who have demonstrated excellence in their respective disciplines.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024: Honor for Exceptional Talent
The Khel Ratna Award is bestowed on athletes who have consistently shown exceptional performance in their sport and brought glory to the nation. In 2024, four athletes stand out for their exceptional achievements:
- D Gukesh (Chess)
The 18-year-old chess prodigy made history in 2024 by becoming the youngest world chess champion, dethroning the reigning champion Liren from China. Gukesh’s rise to the top is a testament to his dedication and hard work, making him a deserving recipient of the Khel Ratna Award. - Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
As the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet led the team to their second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. This feat came after a similar bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his leadership and consistency at the highest level of competition. - Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
A standout performer at the 2024 Paralympics, Praveen Kumar won the men’s high jump gold with a record-breaking jump of 2.08 meters, making history as one of India’s top para-athletes. His remarkable achievement in para-athletics has earned him the prestigious Khel Ratna Award. - Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal and the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympic event post-independence. Her double-medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics — securing bronze in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events — solidified her place among the nation’s greatest sports stars.
The Complete List of Arjuna Awardees 2024
In addition to the Khel Ratna Awardees, 32 athletes have been honored with the Arjuna Award, which recognizes outstanding performances across various sports disciplines. This year’s list includes 17 para-athletes, highlighting India’s growing recognition of athletes with disabilities and their remarkable achievements. Here are some of the key awardees:
- Ms. Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics)
A celebrated Indian sprinter, Jyothi has consistently broken records and represented India at international championships, making her a deserving recipient of the Arjuna Award in athletics. - Ms. Annu Rani (Athletics)
Annu Rani is India’s leading javelin thrower, and her exceptional achievements in track and field events have earned her a place among the 2024 Arjuna awardees. - Ms. Nitu (Boxing)
A young boxer with immense potential, Nitu’s performance in international boxing tournaments has marked her as one of India’s finest rising stars in the sport. - Shri Abhishek (Hockey)
Abhishek has been an integral part of the Indian men’s hockey team, contributing to its recent successes on the world stage, including the Olympic bronze. - Shri Sarabjot Singh (Shooting)
Sarabjot, who partnered with Manu Bhaker to win a mixed team shooting medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is also among the 2024 Arjuna awardees, celebrating his growing stature in the shooting world. - Shri Nitesh Kumar (Para-Badminton)
As a prominent figure in para-badminton, Nitesh Kumar has overcome numerous challenges to represent India at international tournaments, earning recognition through the Arjuna Award. - Ms. Mona Agarwal (Para-Shooting)
Mona has brought India recognition in the para-shooting category, making her a deserving recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award. - Shri Sajan Prakash (Swimming)
A key figure in India’s swimming scene, Sajan Prakash’s consistent performances have earned him a place among the country’s elite athletes honored with the Arjuna Award. - Shri Aman (Wrestling)
Aman’s excellence on the wrestling mat has earned him a spot in the list of Arjuna Awardees, reflecting the ongoing success of Indian wrestling on the global stage.
Dronacharya Awardees: Recognizing the Coaches Behind Success
The Dronacharya Award honors outstanding coaches who have made significant contributions to the development of sports in India. In 2024, several coaches received this prestigious recognition:
- Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting)
- Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
- Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)
- Muralidharan (Badminton, Lifetime)
- Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football, Lifetime)
Significance of These Awards
These awards highlight the immense talent and hard work of India’s athletes across a variety of sports. The recognition of para-athletes alongside their able-bodied counterparts is particularly significant, as it emphasizes inclusivity and the country’s growing support for para-sports.
These prestigious honors not only bring well-deserved recognition to the athletes but also inspire the next generation of sportspeople to strive for excellence in their respective fields. The Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards are a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of India’s athletes, and they serve as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to sports development.
Ceremony and Celebrations
All the awardees, including the Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardees, will receive their accolades from the President of India at a special ceremony scheduled to take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, at 11 AM.
This momentous occasion is set to be a celebration of sports excellence, as the country comes together to honor the champions who have made India proud on the world stage.
As India continues to rise as a sporting powerhouse, the Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards serve as a reminder of the immense potential of its athletes. These awards, which recognize exceptional talent, inspire young sportspeople to aim for greatness and represent India with pride at global competitions.
