At the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu graced the occasion and presented the prestigious National Sports Awards to recognize and honour exceptional achievements in the field of sports.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India, was bestowed upon four remarkable athletes:
- Manu Bhaker (Shooting): This young and talented shooter etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian athlete to secure two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Her exceptional performance at the international level has made her a role model for aspiring shooters in the country.
- D Gukesh (Chess): At the tender age of 18, Gukesh achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming the youngest world chess champion, dethroning the reigning champion Ding Liren. His remarkable accomplishment has brought immense pride to the nation and solidified India's position as a chess powerhouse.
- Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): As the captain of the Indian men's hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill. He led the team to consecutive bronze medals in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, reviving India's dominance in the sport.
- Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics): Overcoming physical challenges, Praveen Kumar has emerged as a true inspiration. This Paralympic gold medalist in high jump improved upon his silver medal in Tokyo to clinch gold in Paris, showcasing his unwavering determination and athletic prowess.
In addition to the Khel Ratna Award, the President also conferred the Arjuna Award upon 32 deserving athletes across various disciplines. This year witnessed a significant increase in the number of para-athletes receiving the award, a testament to their outstanding performance at the Paris Paralympics. The awardees included prominent names like Jyothi Yarraji and Annu Rani (Athletics), Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora (Boxing), Salima Tete and Abhishek (Hockey), and several para-athletes who have brought glory to the nation.
The National Sports Awards ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sports in fostering national pride and unity. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of these exceptional athletes, the nation inspires future generations to pursue excellence in sports and contribute to India's growing sporting legacy.
