D Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar were honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, by President Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on January 17, 2025.
Chess Prodigy D Gukesh- Khel Ratna Award
D Gukesh made history last month by becoming the youngest world chess champion, defeating Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh is also only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the prestigious title. His remarkable achievement has placed him at the pinnacle of the global chess arena.
Shooting Sensation Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, at 22 years old, created history in the Paris Olympics by winning two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol events. She secured these in both the individual women’s category and the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker became the first Indian since Independence to achieve multiple medals in a single edition of the Olympics.
Hockey Star Harmanpreet Singh
Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh played a pivotal role in India’s back-to-back Olympic success. The 29-year-old drag-flicker was the top goal scorer with 10 goals in the Paris Olympics, leading the team to a bronze medal. This marked India’s first consecutive Olympic medals in hockey in over five decades, following their Tokyo 2021 success.
Para High Jumper Praveen Kumar
Praveen Kumar, a 21-year-old para-athlete from Govindgarh, Uttar Pradesh, was a standout performer in India’s record-breaking Paralympics campaign. He won a gold medal in the men’s high jump T64 category, clearing an impressive 2.08 meters. Praveen’s victory contributed to India’s historic haul of 29 medals, 10 more than their tally at Tokyo 2020.
Other Honorees
Apart from the four Khel Ratna recipients, 32 athletes were awarded the Arjuna Award, including an unprecedented 17 para-athletes, highlighting India’s growing prowess in both Olympic and Paralympic sports.
