Khel Ratna 2024: Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar Lead India’s Sporting Honors
The 2024 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards have been announced, celebrating India’s brightest sports stars for their remarkable achievements. Among the honorees are Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar. The announcement was confirmed by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and has since garnered immense appreciation from sports enthusiasts nationwide.
Khel Ratna Awardees: A Closer Look
Manu Bhaker (Shooting): At just 22, Manu Bhaker etched her name in history as the first Indian woman shooter to win two medals in a single Olympics. Her stellar performance in the Paris Olympics included a bronze in the 10m air pistol and another in the mixed team event. Despite controversies around her nomination, Manu’s achievements have firmly established her as one of India’s finest shooters.
D Gukesh (Chess): The 18-year-old prodigy from Tamil Nadu stunned the world by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. In a 14-game epic final in Singapore, Gukesh dethroned China’s Ding Liren to claim the top spot. His rise marks a new era for Indian chess, with Gukesh joining the ranks of legends like Viswanathan Anand.
Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): Leading the Indian hockey team to a second consecutive Olympic bronze in Paris, Harmanpreet showcased exceptional leadership and resilience. The team’s victory against Spain for third place was a fitting tribute to retiring legend PR Sreejesh, making the campaign even more memorable.
Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics): Setting a Paralympic record with a high jump of 2.08 meters, Praveen clinched gold and brought immense pride to the nation. His extraordinary feat underscores the growing prominence of para-athletes on the global stage.
Arjuna Awards Recognize 32 Athletes
The Sports Ministry also announced the Arjuna Award winners, including 17 para-athletes and prominent names from various disciplines. Some notable recipients include:
Jyothi Yarraji and Annu Rani (Athletics)
Sarabjot Singh (Shooting)
Salima Tete and Jarmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
Abhay Singh (Squash)
Sajan Prakash (Swimming)
Para-athletes like Rubina Francis (Shooting) and Navdeep (Athletics).
Dronacharya Awards Honor Coaches
The Ministry also recognized outstanding coaches with Dronacharya Awards. Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting), Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), and Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey) were among the recipients in the regular category, while Muralidharan (Badminton) and Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football) were honored for their lifetime contributions.
Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The prestigious awards will be presented by the President of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2024. The event promises to celebrate the athletes' dedication, inspiring millions to pursue excellence in sports.
This year’s honorees reflect India’s growing dominance in global sports and serve as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent across various disciplines.