Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardees Announced

The Indian government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2024, honoring exceptional contributions to sports.

Awardees and Their Achievements

Manu Bhaker (Shooting): Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Games. Despite initial controversies regarding her nomination, Bhaker’s outstanding performance has been rightfully recognized.

Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): As the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh led the team to a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Paris. His leadership and skills have been instrumental in India’s consistent performance on the international stage.

Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics): Praveen Kumar clinched gold at the Paris Paralympics in the men’s high jump T64 category, setting a new Asian record. His achievement has significantly contributed to India’s prominence in para-athletics.

D Gukesh (Chess): D Gukesh has emerged as a formidable force in the world of chess, achieving remarkable milestones and elevating India’s status in the global chess community.

Controversy Surrounding Nominations

Initially, there was controversy over Manu Bhaker’s omission from the nomination list, despite her historic Olympic performance. Reports suggested discrepancies regarding her application, with some sources claiming she had applied, while others indicated she had not. The Sports Ministry faced criticism for this oversight and subsequently took corrective measures to include her among the awardees.

Significance of the Khel Ratna Award

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sporting honor, awarded for the most outstanding performance in sports by an individual or team. Instituted in 1991–1992, it has recognized numerous athletes who have brought glory to the nation through their exceptional talent and dedication.

Summary of the news