The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the recipients of the prestigious National Sports Awards for 2024 at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The list included the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Dronacharya Awards, celebrating the pinnacle of athletic achievement in the country.
Khel Ratna Awardees
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India, was conferred upon four athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances over the past four years.
Manu Bhaker (Shooting) – An Olympic double medalist, Bhaker has continued to dominate the shooting arena, showcasing her prowess and consistency at international levels. Her name initially did not show up in the list of nominees.
D. Gukesh (Chess) – At a young age, Gukesh carved a niche for himself in the chess world, becoming the world chess champion and an inspiration for many young enthusiasts in India.
Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey) – Leading the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet’s leadership and skill have brought laurels to the nation, particularly highlighted by his performances in major tournaments.
Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics) – Kumar’s achievement in the high jump has brought home a Paralympic gold and has also been a testament to overcoming adversity with excellence.
Arjuna Award Winners
The Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in sports and games was awarded to athletes with exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
A total of 32 athletes were honored with the Arjuna Award.
Salman Tete, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Jarmanpreet, and Sanjay (Hockey) – These players have been pivotal in elevating the Indian hockey team’s performance on the global stage.
Sucha Singh is honored with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) for outstanding contributions to Athletics.
Dronacharya Award Recipients
The Dronacharya Award recognizes the coaches for their significant contributions to training athletes for international success.
Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey) – Known for his strategic approach and mentorship, Sangwan has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young hockey players.
The awards celebrate individual achievements and signify India’s sports community’s collective spirit and dedication.
The ceremony, set to take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be graced by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who will present these accolades to the awardees, marking a moment of national pride and recognition of sporting excellence.