Kumar Bahukhandi
National Sports Awards 2024 announced, these 4 players including Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh got Khel Ratna Award- File Photo
The Government of India has announced the National Sports Awards 2024. It has decided to give the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to four prominent players including star shooter Manu Bhaker. This includes Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar. There has been a lot of controversy over Manu Bhaker’s name for the last several days, in which it was earlier said that her name has not been recommended. At present, now her name has also been announced.
Actually these awards will be presented by the President of India in a special ceremony organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025. The Sports Ministry has selected these players after the recommendations of the committee and detailed investigation.
32 players got Arjun Award..
Apart from this, the Sports Ministry has selected 32 players for the Arjun Award 2024, which includes 17 para athletes. Through these awards, the government has tried to honor the outstanding achievements of the players. The Sports Ministry said that this award is not only a proof of the hard work and dedication of the players, but also provides inspiration to the younger generation. Various coaches, universities and institutions will also be honored at the award ceremony.
Manu Bhaker.. Player who won two medals
22-year-old Manu became the first player of independent India to win two medals in the same Olympics, who won bronze medals in the 10 meter air pistol individual and mixed team event at the Paris Olympics in August. In the Paris Olympics itself, India won a medal in the second consecutive Olympics under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Singh. Eighteen-year-old Gukesh became the youngest world champion, who was also the architect of the Indian team’s historic gold medal in the Chess Olympiad last year.
Awards will be given on January 17,2025
Para high jumper Praveen won the gold medal in the T64 category at the Paris Paralympics. This is the category of players who do not have one or both legs below the knee and they depend on artificial legs to run. The Sports Ministry has said in a release that the winners will be given awards at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
