Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, Harmanpreet, and Praveen Kumar Honored with Khel Ratna Award

The Union Sports Ministry announced the recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, honoring exceptional contributions to Indian sports. This year’s awardees include Paris Olympics double medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar.

Manu Bhaker’s recognition came after significant controversy, as her name was initially excluded from the awards committee's recommendations despite her historic achievement of winning two medals at the Paris Olympics. Bhaker later acknowledged a lapse in filing her nomination, which led to her exclusion. Once rectified, her inclusion in the final list became inevitable, and she expressed gratitude on social media.

D Gukesh, crowned the World Chess Champion on December 12, also joined the list as a late addition. His nomination faced challenges due to the November deadline for award considerations, which account for performances over the past four years. Despite this, his recent championship win cemented his place among the awardees.

Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were honored for their consistent performances and contributions to their respective fields. These athletes exemplify excellence in sports and continue to inspire future generations.

The Khel Ratna Award remains India’s highest sporting honor, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the nation’s top athletes. This year’s recipients highlight India’s growing dominance in diverse sports on the global stage.