In a testament to India’s growing sporting prowess, four exceptional athletes have been selected for the country’s highest sporting recognition “the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award”. The prestigious honor will be bestowed upon shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar in a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting sensation, has written her name into the history books by becoming independent India’s first athlete to secure two Olympic medals in a single edition. Her remarkable achievement came through bronze-winning performances in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events this August. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it comes after her determined comeback from a disappointing Tokyo Olympics performance, showcasing her mental fortitude and unwavering dedication to the sport.
The hockey arena saw similar glory as Harmanpreet Singh led the national team to their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, further cementing India’s resurgence in this traditional stronghold. Under his captaincy, the team has shown remarkable consistency, maintaining their position in the top five of the FIH world rankings throughout the year.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old D Gukesh has emerged as a symbol of India’s chess dominance, becoming the youngest World Champion while also playing a crucial role in India’s historic gold medal victory at the Chess Olympiad last year. His meteoric rise in the chess world has drawn comparisons to legendary Viswanathan Anand, with many experts predicting he could surpass the five-time world champion’s achievements.
Adding to these achievements, para high-jumper Praveen Kumar’s selection highlights India’s growing Paralympic success. Kumar, who competes in the T64 classification for athletes with prosthetic legs, earned his place among the elite through his championship-winning performance at the Paris Paralympics. His journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to Paralympic glory has inspired countless differently abled athletes across the nation.
The Ministry of Sports announced that President of India will present the awards in a special ceremony scheduled for January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also marks a significant milestone in India’s sporting journey, spanning across conventional sports, chess, and para-athletics.
The award, which carries a prize money of ₹25 lakh along with a citation, continues the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey wizard after whom it was renamed in 2021.
