Shooter Manu Bhaker, Chess Prodigy D Gukesh to receive Khel Ratna Award among four recipients

New Delhi: In a significant announcement by the sports ministry, India's twin-Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy D Gukesh have been honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. This accolade is the highest sporting honor in India, and it recognizes outstanding achievements in sports. Alongside them, Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the men's hockey team, and Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete, also received this esteemed award.

Controversy Surrounding Bhaker's Nomination

The announcement comes on the heels of a week filled with controversy regarding Bhaker's nomination. It was revealed that her application might have been initially overlooked. The shooter later acknowledged a potential oversight on her part during the nomination process. "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 stated earlier.

➡️ @YASMinistry announces #NationalSportsAwards 2024

➡️ President of India to give away Awards on 17th January 2025

➡️ ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the period of… pic.twitter.com/nRY3nsleOY

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 2, 2025

Historic Achievements at the Paris Olympics

Manu Bhaker made history during the Paris Olympics held in August 2024, becoming the first athlete from independent India to secure two medals in a single Olympic edition. She won bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and the 10m air pistol mixed team events, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.

In parallel, Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian men's hockey team to its second consecutive bronze medal at the same Olympic Games, further solidifying his legacy within Indian sports. Meanwhile, D Gukesh made headlines as he became the youngest-ever World Champion in chess and played a pivotal role in India's historic gold medal victory at last year's Chess Olympiad.

Recognition for Para-Athlete Praveen Kumar

The fourth recipient of this year's Khel Ratna Award, Praveen Kumar, was celebrated for his remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he clinched the T64 high-jump title. This classification is designated for athletes who have one or both legs missing below the knee and rely on prosthetics for mobility.

Ceremony Details

The awardees are set to receive their honors from the President of India during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, as confirmed by a press release from the sports ministry.