Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, and Two Others to Receive Khel Ratna Award

The Indian Sports Ministry has officially announced the winners of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2024. This accolade, the highest sporting honor in India, will be conferred on Manu Bhaker (Shooting), D Gukesh (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), and Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics). These athletes will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to Indian sports on January 17, 2025, at a grand ceremony hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Recognizing Excellence: The Khel Ratna Award

The Khel Ratna Award is a symbol of India’s appreciation for unparalleled dedication and achievement in sports. This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines, from shooting and chess to hockey and para-athletics, underscoring the country’s multifaceted sporting talent.

• Manu Bhaker (Shooting): The double Olympic medalist has consistently excelled in international events, showcasing her skill and poise under pressure.
• D Gukesh (Chess): As a world chess champion, Gukesh has emerged as one of India’s brightest stars in the global chess arena.
• Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): The captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet has been pivotal in elevating the team’s performance on the international stage.
• Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics): A standout in para-athletics, Praveen has demonstrated remarkable resilience and athleticism, earning accolades for his performances.

The Controversy Around Manu Bhaker’s Nomination

Manu Bhaker’s journey to the Khel Ratna was not without challenges. Initially omitted from the list of nominees, her exclusion sparked a wave of criticism. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, expressed disappointment, suggesting he should have encouraged his daughter to pursue cricket, given the perceived bias in other sports.

Her coach, Jaspal Rana, also criticized the oversight. Despite the controversy, Manu maintained a composed stance, stating,
“As an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country. I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part, while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected.”

This resilience and focus on her goals earned her not only the nomination but also the award, silencing critics and reinforcing her commitment to her sport.

Full List of National Sports Award Winners

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

1. Shri D Gukesh (Chess)
2. Shri Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
3. Shri Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
4. Ms. Manu Bhaker (Shooting)

Arjuna Award (2024)

1. Ms. Jyothi Yarraji – Athletics
2. Ms. Annu Rani – Athletics
3. Ms. Nitu – Boxing
4. Ms. Saweety – Boxing
5. Ms. Vantika Agrawal – Chess
6. Ms. Salima Tete – Hockey
7. Shri Abhishek – Hockey
8. Shri Sanjay – Hockey
9. Shri Jarmanpreet Singh – Hockey
10. Shri Sukhjeet Singh – Hockey
11. Shri Rakesh Kumar – Para-Archery
12. Ms. Preeti Pal – Para-Athletics
13. Ms. Jeevanji Deepthi – Para-Athletics
14. Shri Ajeet Singh – Para-Athletics
15. Shri Sachin Sarjerao Khilari – Para-Athletics
16. Shri Dharambir – Para-Athletics
17. Shri Pranav Soorma – Para-Athletics
18. Shri H Hokato Sema – Para-Athletics
19. Ms. Simran – Para-Athletics
20. Shri Navdeep – Para-Athletics
21. Shri Nitesh Kumar – Para-Badminton
22. Ms. Thulasimathi Murugesan – Para-Badminton
23. Ms. Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan – Para-Badminton
24. Ms. Manisha Ramadass – Para-Badminton
25. Shri Kapil Parmar – Para-Judo
26. Ms. Mona Agarwal – Para-Shooting
27. Ms. Rubina Francis – Para-Shooting
28. Shri Swapnil Suresh Kusale – Shooting
29. Shri Sarabjot Singh – Shooting
30. Shri Abhay Singh – Squash
31. Shri Sajan Prakash – Swimming
32. Shri Aman – Wrestling

Arjuna Awards (Lifetime)

1. Shri Sucha Singh – Athletics
2. Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar – Para-Swimming

Dronacharya Award (2024)

1. Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting)
2. Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
3. Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)

Lifetime Achievements

1. Shri S Muralidharan (Badminton)
2. Shri Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football)

Significance of the Awards Ceremony

Scheduled for January 17, 2025, the awards ceremony will be presided over by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The event is expected to be a grand celebration of India’s sporting achievements, bringing together the best athletes, coaches, and contributors to the nation’s sports ecosystem.