The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the recipients of the National Sports Awards 2024.
Shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, hockey star Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar will be honoured with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
The awards will be presented by President of India Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17 in New Delhi.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest honor in Indian sports, bestowed upon athletes for their extraordinary and exceptional achievements in their respective fields. This accolade recognizes consistent excellence over the preceding four years.
Manu Baker opened India’s medal tally in Olympics after she secured third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event , becoming the first ever women shooter to win an Olympic medal for India.
Gukesh made history in December by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the decisive 14th game of the FIDE World Championship match in Singapore.
Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh conferred with Khel Ratna; MYAS announces National Sports Awards 2024
Para-athlete Praveen Kumar won gold in the Men’s High Jump T64 at the paralympics 2024, while Harmanpreet Singh captained the Bronze medal-winning Paris Olympic team.
Other awards, including the Arjuna and Dronacharya Awards, will also be presented during the ceremony, showcasing the nation’s commitment to honouring sporting excellence.
32 athletes, including Indian Chess grandmaster Vantika Agarwal and athlete Jyothi Yarraji, will be conferred with the Arjuna Awards.
The Arjuna Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games honours athletes who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership qualities, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Arjuna Awards (Lifetime) for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2024 will be conferred to Sucha Singh (Athletics) and Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming).
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime Achievement) acknowledges retired athletes who have not only excelled in their sporting careers but have also significantly contributed to promoting sports post-retirement.
Former Dempo FC and East Bengal head coach Armando Agnelo Colaco will be conferred with the Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games 2024.
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The Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games celebrates coaches who have consistently guided athletes to achieve remarkable success at international events.
