New Delhi, 2 January 2025: Double Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker and reigning chess World Champion D Gukesh are among the four athletes who will receive India’s highest sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
In frame: Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh
They will be joined by hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar, who earned the award for his victory in the men’s T64 high jump at the Tokyo Paralympics. The Khel Ratna ceremony is scheduled for 17 January.
Bhaker’s inclusion follows a controversy over her initial exclusion from the Arjuna Award recommendations, which sparked public outrage and scrutiny of the sports ministry. Sources suggest that the names of both Bhaker and Gukesh were added after the outcry, prompting Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to use his discretionary powers to officially amend the list.
The sports ministry had faced embarrassment over Bhaker’s initial omission but confirmed the error and rectified the situation. “After the matter was raised, I am pleased to announce the inclusion of both Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh in the final list,” Mandaviya said.
The announcement of the awardees had been delayed due to the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Along with Bhaker, Gukesh, Singh, and Kumar, other notable athletes such as shooting champions Swapnil Kusale, Sarabjot Singh, and bronze medalist wrestler Aman Sehrawat will also be recognized.
In total, 32 athletes are receiving the Arjuna Award, including distinguished figures such as 2023 Women’s World Boxing gold medalist Saweety Boora, javelin star Annu Rani, hockey player Salima Tete, and track and field athlete Jyothi Yarraji. These athletes have consistently excelled in their sports, securing their places in this year’s prestigious honors.
