The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, will be conferred on pistol shooter Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy D Gukesh on January 17, 2025. The award ceremony will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India will honor the recipients.
Achievements of the Awardees
Manu Bhaker
- Made history at the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming the first Indian athlete since Independence to win two Olympic medals in a single Games.
- Secured a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol individual event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
- At just 22 years old, Manu has established herself as a dominant figure in Indian shooting.
D Gukesh
- At just 18 years old, Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore in 2024.
- Won the Candidates Tournament earlier in 2024, earning his spot in the World Chess Championship.
- Led the Indian chess team to a gold medal at the Budapest Chess Olympiad, further solidifying his position as one of the world’s finest young chess players.
Harmanpreet Singh
- The captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet played a pivotal role in securing the team’s second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at Paris 2024.
- Known for his exceptional leadership and penalty corner expertise, he continues to be a cornerstone of Indian hockey.
Praveen Kumar
- Won gold in the T64 high jump event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, showcasing incredible athletic prowess.
- The T64 classification is for para-athletes with below-knee amputations using prosthetic limbs for running. Praveen’s performance was a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Award Ceremony Details
- Date: January 17, 2025
- Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Presented by: The President of India
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in a press release, highlighting the achievements and contributions of the sportspersons being honored.
Significance of the Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award recognizes exceptional performances by Indian athletes on the global stage. This year’s recipients have not only brought glory to the nation but have also set benchmarks in their respective fields.
As these athletes receive their well-deserved accolades, the nation celebrates their contributions to Indian sports, inspiring the next generation of talent.
