President Droupadi Murmu honored exceptional athletes with the 'Khel Ratna' and 'Arjuna' awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan on January 9, 2023.

The 'Arjuna Award', a significant recognition for athletes in India, was presented to individuals who showcased exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and consistent outstanding performance over the last four years. Among the notable recipients was cricketer Mohammed Shami, who received this prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu during the National Sports Awards ceremony.

Shuttlers Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, along with Mohammed Shami, were among the awardees. Chirag and Satwik were honored with the prestigious 'Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna' award for their exceptional achievements in 2023. They secured India's first-ever Asian Games gold in badminton, claimed the Asian Championships title, and triumphed at the Indonesia Open Super 1000.

The awards ceremony, usually held on August 29 to commemorate Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary, was postponed due to the Hangzhou Asian Games held from September 23 to October 8 the previous year.

Amidst a jubilant atmosphere, 26 athletes and para-athletes were recognized with the Arjuna Awards. Chirag and Satwik, currently ranked world No.1, are aiming for an Olympic medal in Paris, having nearly secured their qualification.

Notable awardees included chess Grandmaster R. Vaishali, pistol shooting sensation Esha Singh (participating in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers), wrestler Antim Panghal, boxer Mohammad Hussamuddin, and para archer Sheetal Devi.

Dronacharya awardees featured chess coach RB Ramesh, acknowledged for nurturing talents like Praggnanandhaa. The Khel Ratna carries a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh, while the Arjuna and Dronacharya awards include a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh.

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