Manu Bhaker, Gukesh Among Athletes To Get Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

India's twin-Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy D Gukesh have been named among the four recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, as confirmed by the sports ministry on January 2. This award highlights India’s commitment to promoting sports and motivating athletes to achieve excellence in their sports. Winners will receive a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.

The sports ministry also named 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, for Arjuna awards. 

The awards will be held this year on January 17 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Khel Ratna will be conferred to Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Gukesh D (Chess), and Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics).

In a press release, the sports ministry stated, 

"The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17th January 2025 (Friday) at 1100 hours."

Here are the Khel Ratna Award winners:

Gukesh Dommaraju 

Gukesh Dommaraju, the Indian chess prodigy, made history by clinching the title of xhampion title in the 2024 World Chess Championship, held between him and Ding Liren during November–December 2024. At just 17 years old, Gukesh also became the youngest player ever to surpass a FIDE rating of 2750. 

Harmanpreet Singh

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India's national hockey team, is widely celebrated as one of the finest drag flickers globally. Under his captaincy, the Indian team achieved a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His exceptional leadership had earlier steered the team to a gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games. His stellar performance at the Olympics solidified his position as one of the most celebrated athletes in Indian sports history.

Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker created history by becoming the first-ever Indian to win two medals at single Olympic Games. Beyond the 2024 Olympics, Manu boasts an impressive medal tally, including 7 medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships and an extraordinary haul of 21 medals at the World Championships and World Cups.

The felictation announcement comes after a week of controversy, when it was revealed that Bhaker's nomination may have initially been overlooked. The shooter later acknowledged a possible ‘lapse’ on her part while submitting the nomination. "I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part, while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this matter," she had said earlier. 

Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar etched his name in history by winning a gold medal in the men’s high jump at the 2024 Paralympics. He also clinched a silver medal in the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Born with a short leg, Praveen defied all odds to become India’s youngest para-athlete to win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in 2021.