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The Indian Ministry of Sports announced on Thursday the recipients of the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor. This year's winners represent a diverse range of sporting disciplines, showcasing the nation's exceptional talent. Among the awardees are shooting prodigy Manu Bhaker, chess grandmaster D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar. Their achievements underscore India's growing dominance in both traditional and emerging sports on the global stage. The announcement itself followed a period of uncertainty surrounding Manu Bhaker's nomination, raising questions about the transparency and process of the award selection. Bhaker, in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged a potential lapse in her nomination process, clarifying that while awards are motivating, her primary focus remains on representing her country with pride and achieving sporting excellence.
Manu Bhaker's inclusion in this year's Khel Ratna recipients is particularly significant. At just 22 years old, she etched her name in Indian Olympic history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games. Her bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the recent Olympics cemented her status as one of India's most promising shooters. Her candid acknowledgement of a potential error in her nomination highlights her maturity and professionalism, prioritizing her dedication to the sport above any personal accolades. This contrasts sharply with the initial public outcry and speculation following reports of her initial omission from the list of nominees. The controversy, however brief, served to underscore the immense public interest and the high stakes associated with this prestigious national award.
Alongside Bhaker, D Gukesh's inclusion in the Khel Ratna recipients represents a remarkable achievement for Indian chess. At just 18 years of age, Gukesh has already ascended to the pinnacle of the chess world, becoming the youngest-ever World champion. His exceptional talent, combined with his contribution to the Indian team's historic gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad, solidifies his place among India's top sporting figures. His accomplishments demonstrate not just individual prowess, but also the growing strength of India's chess program, and his recognition in this prestigious award signals the increasing national attention and investment in intellectual sports.
The Khel Ratna Award also acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men's hockey team. His leadership on the field has been instrumental in the team's recent success, including their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics. Harmanpreet's dedication and strategic acumen have elevated the performance of the Indian hockey team, demonstrating a remarkable level of skill and teamwork. This recognition reinforces the importance of team sports within India's sporting landscape, and the significant role leadership plays in achieving success on a global scale.
Finally, Praveen Kumar's inclusion emphasizes the rising prominence of Paralympic athletes in India. His gold medal win in the T64 high jump at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to his exceptional athleticism and unwavering determination. The T64 classification, specifically for athletes with leg amputations, further highlights the incredible resilience and dedication of Paralympic athletes, and underscores the inclusive nature of the Khel Ratna Award. Praveen’s achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes with disabilities across the country, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome.
The award ceremony, set to take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, will formally recognize the outstanding contributions of these four athletes. The occasion will serve as a significant moment of national pride, celebrating the exceptional achievements of India's sporting heroes and their positive influence on the country. The selection of these four individuals reflects not only their individual excellence but also the diversity of sporting talent within India, signaling a bright future for Indian sports on the international stage. The event promises to be a momentous occasion, underscoring the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of sporting achievement across the nation.
Source: Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh Among Four Athletes To Get Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Sports Ministry