Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh to Receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh to Receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
In an exciting turn of events, India’s double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and the youngest world chess champion D Gukesh have been added to the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award list for 2024-25. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports made the announcement on Thursday, January 2, much to the delight of fans and supporters of the talented athletes.
Initially, only Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were nominated for the country’s highest Sporting Honour. However, after much anticipation and speculation, Bhaker and Gukesh’s names were officially included in the list, bringing joy to their families, fans, and well-wishers.
Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan, expressed disappointment when his daughter was initially left out of the Khel Ratna Awards list. In a candid conversation with the media, he shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices made by athletes and their families in pursuit of excellence. Ultimately, Bhaker’s hard work and dedication paid off as she was rightfully recognized with the prestigious award.
On the other hand, Gukesh recently made headlines by defeating Ding Liren and making history for India in the world of chess. His remarkable achievement earned him a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Chennai, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
In addition to Bhaker and Gukesh, a total of 32 names were shortlisted for the Arjuna Award, including notable athletes like Aman Sehrawat and para-gold medallists Navdeep Singh and Nitesh Kumar. The awards ceremony, set to take place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday, January 17, will honor all the deserving recipients for their outstanding contributions to Indian sports.
The sports community is eagerly looking forward to celebrating the achievements of these talented athletes and coaches who have brought pride and glory to the nation. The recognition and accolades they receive serve as a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to their respective sports.