Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh Among Four Athletes To Get Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Sports Ministry
India’s sporting excellence reached new heights as the Sports Ministry announced the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award winners for 2025. Among the honorees are Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic champion Praveen Kumar. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key highlights:
- Manu Bhaker: Double Olympic Medalist
At just 22, Manu Bhaker continues to script history for India.
- Achievements:
- First Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.
- Bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the 2024 Olympics.
- Challenges Faced:
- Controversy arose when reports suggested her name was missing from the initial Khel Ratna recommendations.
- Bhaker addressed the issue gracefully, emphasizing her commitment to performing for India, regardless of awards
2. D Gukesh: Youngest Chess World Champion
At 18, D Gukesh has become a global chess sensation.
- Milestones:
- Youngest-ever World Chess Champion.
- Led India to a historic gold medal in the Chess Olympiad last year.
3. Harmanpreet Singh: Hockey Captain Extraordinaire
Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh continues to shine as a leader and player.
- Key features:
- led India to its second consecutive bronze medal in the Olympics.
- Integral to the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage.
4. Praveen Kumar: Paralympic Champion
Praveen Kumar, the para high-jumper, has been a symbol of determination and excellence.
- Achievements:
- Crowned the T64 champion in the Paris Paralympics.
- Dominated the T64 classification, competing with a prosthetic leg and showcasing exceptional athleticism.
5. Arjuna Awards: Recognizing Emerging Talent
The Sports Ministry also announced 32 athletes for the Arjuna Awards, including 17 para-athletes. This move reflects India’s focus on fostering diverse sporting talent.
Award Ceremony Details
The awardees will receive the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the President of India on January 17, 2025, at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Conclusion: A Testament to India’s Sporting Glory
These awards celebrate the relentless spirit and extraordinary achievements of India’s athletes. From Manu Bhaker’s precision shooting to D Ganesh’s chess dominance, Harmanpreet’s hockey leadership, and Praveen Kumar’s inspiring Paralympic success, India’s sporting journey continues to inspire.