In a grand recognition of their outstanding contributions to Indian sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the names of four exceptional athletes who will receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on January 17, 2025. The awardees include Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympian Praveen Kumar.The announcement marks a significant milestone in the careers of these talented individuals, who have consistently demonstrated their prowess and dedication to their respective sports. The Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.A Second Chance for Manu BhakerInterestingly, Manu Bhaker’s name was initially missing from the list of nominees for the Khel Ratna Award, sparking widespread controversy and speculation. However, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has since clarified that the list was not finalized at the time, and Bhaker’s name was subsequently added.Bhaker, who made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian post-Independence to win more than one medal in the same edition of the Olympics, has expressed her gratitude and humility at receiving the award. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks and disappointments are an integral part of the sporting journey, and that perseverance and determination can ultimately lead to triumph.A New Era for Indian ChessD Gukesh, the youngest world champion in chess history, has been recognized for his phenomenal achievements in the sport. Gukesh’s victory over China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship has sent shockwaves throughout the chess community, and his name is now synonymous with excellence and brilliance.Gukesh’s achievement marks a new era for Indian chess, and his success is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in the country. His dedication, passion, and natural talent have made him a role model for aspiring chess players, and his legacy is likely to endure for generations to come.Hockey’s Golden BoyHarmanpreet Singh, India’s hockey captain, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport. Singh’s leadership and skills on the field have been instrumental in India’s success in recent tournaments, including the Olympic Games and the Asian Champions Trophy.Singh’s achievement serves as a testament to the growing popularity and success of Indian hockey, and his name is now synonymous with excellence and dedication. His success has inspired a new generation of hockey players in India, and his legacy is likely to endure for generations to come.Praveen Kumar’s Golden LeapPraveen Kumar, India’s Paralympic high-jump champion, has been recognized for his outstanding achievement in the sport. Kumar’s gold medal at the Paris Paralympics has sent a powerful message of hope and inspiration to millions of Indians, and his name is now synonymous with courage and determination.Kumar’s achievement serves as a testament to the growing recognition and support for Paralympic sports in India, and his success has inspired a new generation of athletes with disabilities. His legacy is likely to endure for generations to come, and his name will always be remembered as a symbol of hope and inspiration.Arjuna Awards and Dronacharya Awards AnnouncedIn addition to the Khel Ratna Awards, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has also announced the names of 32 athletes who will receive the Arjuna Award, including 17 para-athletes. The Arjuna Award is India’s second-highest sporting honor, and it recognizes outstanding achievements in various sports disciplines.The Ministry has also announced the names of six coaches who will receive the Dronacharya Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to sports coaching. The Dronacharya Award is named after the legendary coach Dronacharya, who is revered in Indian mythology for his wisdom and coaching prowess.Reaction and Opinion from Athlete coach “I’m absolutely thrilled to hear about the Khel Ratna Awardees this year! As a coach, it’s heartening to see talented athletes like Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar being recognized for their outstanding contributions to Indian sports. Manu Bhaker’s journey, in particular, resonates with me. Her initial exclusion from the list of nominees sparked controversy, but her subsequent inclusion is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Her achievement serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are an integral part of the sporting journey, and it’s how we respond to them that truly matters. D Gukesh’s phenomenal success in chess is also a remarkable story. His victory over China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship has sent shockwaves throughout the chess community, and his name is now synonymous with excellence and brilliance. As a coach, it’s inspiring to see young athletes like Gukesh pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership and skills on the field have been instrumental in India’s success in recent tournaments, and his recognition is well-deserved. His achievement serves as a testament to the growing popularity and success of Indian hockey, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to inspire a new generation of hockey players in India. Lastly, Praveen Kumar’s golden leap at the Paris Paralympics is a powerful message of hope and inspiration to millions of Indians. His achievement serves as a testament to the growing recognition and support for Paralympic sports in India, and I’m confident that he’ll continue to inspire a new generation of athletes with disabilities. The announcement of the Khel Ratna Awards, Arjuna Awards, and Dronacharya Awards marks a significant milestone in the Indian sports calendar. It’s a celebration of the outstanding achievements of Indian athletes and coaches, and it recognizes their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. As a coach, I’m proud, and I look forward to seeing the impact that these awards will have on the future of Indian sports.” – Manna deyA Celebration of Indian SportsThe announcement of the Khel Ratna Awards, Arjuna Awards, and Dronacharya Awards marks a significant milestone in the Indian sports calendar. It is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of Indian athletes and coaches, and it recognizes their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.As India continues to make its mark on the global sporting stage, these awards serve as a powerful reminder of the country’s growing sporting prowess and its ability to produce world-class athletes and coaches. The awards are a testament to the power of sports to inspire, unite, and transform individuals and communities, and they will continue to play a vital role in promoting and celebrating Indian sports for generations to come.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.