Home » Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh among 2 others to get Khel Ratna award

Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh among 2 others to get Khel Ratna award

Manu Bhaker, 22, made history by becoming independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.

by Sport Desk
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Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and chess world champion D Gukesh are among four athletes chosen for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, as announced by the Sports Ministry on Thursday. The other recipients include men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar. The Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honor awarded to sportspersons in India.

The announcement follows recent controversy surrounding Manu Bhaker’s nomination. Reports suggested her name was initially missing from the list of recommended athletes, sparking outrage from her father, Ram Kishan, and coach Jaspal Rana. However, Bhaker clarified the situation in a post on X, attributing the issue to a possible lapse on her part during the nomination process.

“With regards to the ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award – I would like to state that as an athlete my role is to play and perform for my country. Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my goal. I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this matter,” Bhaker wrote.

Achievements of the Awardees

Manu Bhaker, 22, made history by becoming independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. She secured bronze in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events in August.

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, led his team to their second consecutive bronze medal in the same Olympic Games.

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, led his team to their second consecutive bronze medal in the same Olympic Games. (Photo shared by Harmanpreet Singh on X)

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, led his team to their second consecutive bronze medal in the same Olympic Games. (Photo shared by Harmanpreet Singh on X)

At just 18 years old, D Gukesh became the youngest-ever chess world champion and played a pivotal role in securing a historic gold for India in the Chess Olympiad last year.

The fourth awardee, Praveen Kumar, clinched gold in the T64 high jump event at the Paris Paralympics. The T64 classification is designated for athletes with below-knee amputations who compete using prosthetic legs.

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Praveen Kumar, clinched gold in the T64 high jump event at the Paris Paralympics.

Arjuna Awards and Ceremony Details

In addition to the Khel Ratna honorees, the Sports Ministry announced 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, for the Arjuna Awards.

The awardees will receive their honors from the President of India during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025 (Friday), at 11:00 a.m., as per the ministry’s press release.

This announcement recognizes the remarkable achievements and dedication of India’s athletes, reinforcing their pivotal role in elevating the nation’s stature on the global stage.

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