Khel Ratna 2024: Manu Bhaker, Gukesh Dommaraju, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar Recognized for Their Sporting Excellence
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced the National Sports Awards 2024, and among the notable recipients of the prestigious Khel Ratna Award are Manu Bhaker, Gukesh Dommaraju, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. These athletes have made remarkable contributions to their respective sports, bringing glory to India on the global stage.
Key Highlights
Manu Bhaker: A Historic Achievement in Shooting
Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist, has made her mark in the world of shooting. She made history by winning the third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event at the Olympics, becoming the first-ever woman shooter from India to claim an Olympic medal. Bhaker followed this feat by clinching a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, marking India’s first-ever shooting team medal.
Gukesh Dommaraju: The Youngest World Chess Champion
Gukesh Dommaraju, who made waves in the world of chess in 2024, defeated China’s Ding Liren in the 14th game of the FIDE World Championship. The victory gave Gukesh a 7.5-6.5 victory over his opponent, making him the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old. This historic win made Gukesh the second Indian to become a world chess champion, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
Harmanpreet Singh: Leading the Indian Men’s Hockey Team
Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, has played a crucial role in the success of the team. Leading the team to a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, Harmanpreet has proven his mettle as a leader and a top athlete. He was also part of the team that won a Tokyo Olympics hockey bronze and has been nominated for the FIH Player of the Year.
Praveen Kumar: Paralympic Glory
Praveen Kumar, the para athlete, was awarded the Khel Ratna after his stellar performance at the 2024 Paralympics where he won a gold medal in the Men’s High Jump T64 category. His dedication and remarkable achievement have earned him this prestigious honor.
Arjuna Awards: Honoring Excellence
In addition to the Khel Ratna, several athletes were also honored with the Arjuna Award for their exceptional performances, including Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Salima Tete from the Indian hockey teams. Chess grandmaster Vantika Agrawal and athlete Jyothi Yarraji were also recognized for their excellence.
Dronacharya Award for Lifetime Achievement
The Dronacharya Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Armando Agnelo Colaco, the former Dempo FC and East Bengal head coach, for his immense contribution to Indian football coaching.
The Khel Ratna and National Sports Awards 2024 celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and excellence of India’s finest athletes. Manu Bhaker, Gukesh Dommaraju, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar are prime examples of how Indian athletes continue to make the country proud. Their achievements inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts to strive for greatness. The award ceremony will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, where these outstanding athletes will be felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu.
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