National Sports Awards: Manu Bhaker, Others to Receive Khel Ratna

The National Sports Awards for the country's outstanding athletes have been announced by the Sports Ministry. Each of these athletes will be honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

This list of notable athletes includes Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Praveen Kumar, and Harmanpreet Singh, who earned a bronze medal for the hockey team.

The Khel Ratna Award Ceremony is scheduled to commence on January 17, 2025, at 11 am at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu will honor all these athletes at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

D Gukesh is the world champion in chess and holds the record as the youngest person to achieve this title. D Gukesh achieved a remarkable win in the Chess World Cup final by overcoming China's Lin Dan, which earned him the top sports accolade.

Athlete Manu Bhaker secured two medals at the Paris Olympic Games. Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics by securing two medals, finishing third in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed doubles events.

The Indian hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, performed exceptionally well at the Paris Olympics, winning the bronze medal. Captain Harmanpreet Singh is poised to be honored with the Khel Ratna Award for his outstanding leadership. Furthermore, Indian hockey team member Praveen Kumar will be awarded the Khel Ratna.

In addition to the Khel Ratna award, 34 renowned athletes will receive the Arjuna Award.Para-swimmers Sucha Singh and Murlikant Rajaram Petkar are set to receive the Arjuna Award Lifetime Achievement Award.

Five coaches are set to receive the Dronacharya Award for their outstanding coaching skills. Among the lifetime awardees are badminton coach S Muralitharan and football coach Armando Agnello Colaco.