On January 17, 2025, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was conferred upon four distinguished athletes during the National Sports Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The recipients of this prestigious honor are:
Manu Bhaker:
A celebrated shooter and double Olympic medalist, Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics at the Paris Games, securing bronzes in both the women’s individual 10m air pistol and the mixed team event.
D. Gukesh:
At just 18 years old, Gukesh became the youngest chess world champion after defeating Ding Liren at the FIDE World Championship in December 2024. His achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian chess history.
Harmanpreet Singh:
The captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Singh led his team to bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, showcasing his leadership and skill on the international stage.
Praveen Kumar:
A para-athlete who excelled at the Paris Paralympics, Kumar won a gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 class, further highlighting the achievements of para-athletes in India.
These athletes were recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to sports, reflecting India’s growing prowess in various athletic disciplines.
