National Sports Awards 2025 President Murmu Honors Khel Ratna Winners

Published at: January 17, 2025 10:39 AM

Updated at: January 18, 2025 3:20 AM

The National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony, held on January 17 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognized outstanding athletes and coaches who have made significant contributions to Indian sports. President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to four exceptional individuals: Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, celebrating their incredible achievements.

These awards, established in 1961, honor excellence in sports and include categories like the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and the Dronacharya Award for coaches. This year, the spotlight was on athletes who have made India proud internationally.

Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist in shooting, received recognition for her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. At the same time, D. Gukesh, the youngest world chess champion at 18, was celebrated for his achievement in the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Harmanpreet Singh, captain of India’s men’s hockey team, was honored for his leadership in securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who won a gold in high jump at the Paralympics, was also awarded, showcasing the rise of para-sports in India.

This year’s ceremony also marked a milestone with 17 para-athletes among the 32 Arjuna Awardees, emphasizing the growing focus on inclusivity in Indian sports. Coaches like Pullela Gopichand and Subhash Rana were also honored for their contributions to badminton and para-shooting.

In her address, President Murmu emphasized that these awards celebrate the dedication of athletes and inspire the nation. The event highlighted India’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging the next generation of athletes to follow their dreams with determination.