India’s sports landscape was illuminated with honor and recognition as President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to four remarkable athletes on January 17, 2025, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the recipients were 18-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh, Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. These athletes have made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields, making India proud on the global stage.
D Gukesh: Youngest Chess World Champion to Receive Khel Ratna
D Gukesh, who etched his name into history by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old, was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for his exceptional performance in the sport. Gukesh achieved this monumental feat in Singapore in December 2024, when he defeated China’s Ding Liren, the reigning World Chess Champion, securing his place as the second Indian to win this coveted title after Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s incredible journey in chess has been nothing short of inspiring, and his recognition at the Rashtrapati Bhavan underscores his dedication to the game. As a symbol of India’s rising prominence in global chess, Gukesh’s victory also signals the bright future of Indian chess on the international stage.
Manu Bhaker: A Shooting Star in Indian Sports
Manu Bhaker, the ace Indian shooter, was another recipient of the Khel Ratna Award. Known for her tenacity and perseverance, Bhaker made history at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she overcame a malfunctioning pistol to claim two bronze medals. This achievement made her the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal and the first Indian athlete to secure two medals in a single Olympics post-independence.
Bhaker’s performance continued to shine at the Paris Olympics in 2024, where she bagged additional medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events. At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker’s accomplishments have already set a new standard in the world of shooting, and this recognition of her dedication and excellence in the sport is well-deserved.
Harmanpreet Singh: A Champion of Indian Hockey
The Khel Ratna Award also went to Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, who played an instrumental role in leading the team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Singh’s leadership and skill on the field have been pivotal in India’s resurgence in international hockey, including a similar achievement of winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Harmanpreet’s contributions to Indian hockey extend beyond just Olympic achievements; his tactical leadership and his role in inspiring the team have solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the sport. His Khel Ratna award is a testament to his commitment and extraordinary accomplishments in Indian hockey.
Praveen Kumar: Overcoming Adversity to Shine Globally
Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete from India, also received the Khel Ratna Award for his remarkable achievements in the field of athletics. Born with a short left leg, Praveen faced immense physical challenges throughout his life, but his passion for athletics allowed him to overcome these obstacles. After clinching a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, he went on to win a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in 2024, securing India’s place as a formidable force in the global para-athletics community.
Praveen’s journey from adversity to triumph embodies the spirit of determination, and his Khel Ratna Award serves as an inspiration to millions of aspiring athletes, especially those with disabilities.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Sports: Arjuna Award Honors
In addition to the Khel Ratna Award, India also honored 32 outstanding athletes with the Arjuna Award. This year’s list includes 17 para-athletes, reflecting India’s stellar performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where the country bagged 29 medals, including seven golds and nine silvers. Among the Arjuna Award recipients are Aman Sehrawat, the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler, shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, as well as hockey players Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, and Abhishek.
The inclusion of so many para-athletes highlights the continued rise of para-sports in India, an area where the country has consistently excelled on the world stage. The 2024 Paris Paralympics saw Indian athletes breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, and the Arjuna Award is a recognition of their unparalleled achievements.
Conclusion: Celebrating India’s Sporting Legacy
The conferral of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards to D Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar is a celebration of India’s sporting excellence. These athletes have proven that hard work, dedication, and resilience can lead to success at the highest levels of international competition. Their achievements continue to inspire millions of Indians and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the world of sports.
India’s sporting future looks brighter than ever, with these role models leading the charge in bringing the nation to the forefront of global sports. As the country continues to produce world-class athletes, the recognition and accolades like the Khel Ratna Award serve as a reminder of the power of sports to unite and uplift a nation.
