India's sporting heroes received their due recognition at the National Sports Awards ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu honoured a diverse group of athletes who have showcased remarkable talent and determination across various disciplines. Among the notable awardees were D Gukesh, the chess prodigy who recently made history as the youngest-ever chess world champion, Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medallist high jumper Praveen Kumar.
The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, was conferred upon all these athletes for their exceptional achievements in their respective sports. Gukesh's recognition is particularly historic, as he becomes only the second chess player after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to receive the Khel Ratna. Reflecting on this achievement, the 18-year-old shared his excitement, expressing, "It's a dream come true to be the second chess player after Vishi Anand Sir to receive the Khel Ratna. This is not the end of the journey; I aim to achieve even more for my country." Gukesh’s historic victory over China’s Ding Liren last month, which earned him the chess world championship title, and his key role in leading India to a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in September, further solidified his position as one of the brightest stars in Indian sports.
Harmanpreet Singh, the stalwart captain of the Indian men's hockey team, was equally moved by the recognition, attributing it to the collective efforts of his teammates and the support of the entire hockey community. Under his leadership, the team secured two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, and Harmanpreet acknowledged the significance of this award, stating, "This is the biggest recognition of my life. It's a significant achievement, and I'm very happy. The Khel Ratna feels like the best part of my life."
Manu Bhaker, a force to be reckoned with in shooting, earned her place in the spotlight after bagging bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her exceptional performance at the global stage has not only made India proud but also brought shooting into the limelight.
Praveen Kumar, who clinched a Paralympic gold medal in high jump, also shared his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the immense sacrifices and hard work it took to reach this level. "This award is a reflection of my hard work, dedication, and sacrifices for the sport. I'm truly grateful for this recognition," he said.
The National Sports Awards ceremony was a momentous occasion, celebrating these athletes' perseverance, hard work, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields. It also serves as a testament to India's growing sports culture and the emergence of athletes across diverse disciplines who continue to inspire millions with their performances on the world stage.
