NEW DELHI: Ace shooter and multiple-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion Gukesh D, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been announced as the recepients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The award, India’s highest sporting honor, recognises their exceptional performances and contributions to Indian sports.
The applications were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal. A large number of applications were received for these awards this year, which were considered by the Selection Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian, Supreme Court of India and consisting members from eminent sportspersons, persons having experience in sports journalism and sports administrators.
The prestigious Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in sports in 2024.
In athletics, Jyothi Yarraji and Annu Rani were honored for their remarkable performances, while boxing saw Nitu and Saweety earning accolades for their prowess in the ring.
In hockey, players like Salima Tete, Abhishek, Sanjay, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh highlighted India's resurgence in the sport.
The para-sports categories showcased exceptional talent, with notable names like Rakesh Kumar (Para-Archery), Preeti Pal, and Jeevanji Deepthi (Para-Athletics), alongside Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan (Para-Badminton).
Shooting stars Swapnil Suresh Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, swimmer Sajan Prakash, and squash player Abhay Singh further highlighted India's diverse sporting brilliance.
More to follow...
