India has announced its four recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2025, the highest sporting honor in the country. The honorees include twin-Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. The announcement, made by the sports ministry on Thursday, follows a week of speculation surrounding Bhaker’s initial nomination status.
Recognition Amid Controversy
Manu Bhaker's journey to this honor wasn't without hurdles. Earlier reports suggested her nomination might have been overlooked, leading to public concern. Bhaker later addressed the issue, stating, “I believe there was a lapse, possibly on my part, while submitting the nomination, which has since been corrected. Regardless of awards, I remain committed to winning more medals for India and request people to avoid unnecessary speculation.”
Achievements of the Awardees
Bhaker etched her name in history during the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition. She claimed bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and the mixed team events.
Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India’s men’s hockey team, led his squad to their second consecutive Olympic bronze, further solidifying his legacy in Indian sports.
Eighteen-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh created a sensation by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion and played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad last year.
Para-athlete Praveen Kumar also made the nation proud by clinching the T64 high-jump title at the Paris Paralympics. His incredible performance showcased his resilience and skill in the T64 classification, which includes athletes with below-the-knee amputations who compete using prosthetics.
Award Ceremony Details
The prestigious awards will be presented by the President of India during a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, as confirmed by the sports ministry. This event will honor the dedication and achievements of these exceptional athletes who have brought glory to the nation.
