Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2025: In a major recognition of India’s sporting excellence, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has confirmed the winners of the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2025. This year, four outstanding athletes have been selected for the highest sporting honor in India, including double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D. Gukesh, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar.
The Khel Ratna is considered the pinnacle of sporting achievements in India, and this year’s honorees are being celebrated for their remarkable performances on the global stage. Alongside these four athletes, 32 others, including 17 para-athletes, have been named for the Arjuna Award, further showcasing India’s diverse sporting talent.
Manu Bhaker: A Shooting Star’s Journey to the Khel Ratna
Manu Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games, has now earned the recognition she richly deserves. At just 22, Bhaker’s achievements have already been extraordinary. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she won a bronze medal in both the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team events. Her incredible performances established her as one of the country’s most promising shooters.
However, her inclusion in the Khel Ratna was initially clouded by controversy. There were reports suggesting that her name was missing from the list of nominees, which led to a public outcry. Manu’s father, Ram Kishan, and her coach, Jaspal Rana, voiced their displeasure, but the shooter herself took to social media to clarify the situation.
“I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected,” Bhaker wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Irrespective of the award, I remain motivated to win more medals for my country. Please do not speculate on this matter.”
Manu’s humility and focus on performance, rather than awards, reflect her commitment to her sport and her country.
Harmanpreet Singh: Leading India to Glory in Hockey
Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh also joins the elite list of athletes receiving the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award this year. Harmanpreet has been instrumental in leading the Indian team to several victories, including a historic second consecutive bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His leadership and exceptional performance as a drag-flick specialist have made him one of the most celebrated figures in Indian hockey.
Harmanpreet’s journey in international hockey has been marked by consistent excellence. Under his leadership, the Indian team not only clinched the Olympic bronze but also triumphed in several prestigious tournaments. His contribution to the sport extends beyond just his goal-scoring abilities, as he continues to inspire a new generation of hockey players in India.
Gukesh: A Young Chess Prodigy and World Champion
At just 18 years old, D. Gukesh has taken the world of chess by storm. The youngest-ever World Chess Champion, Gukesh has not only showcased individual brilliance but also helped India achieve a historic gold medal in the Chess Olympiad. His victory in the 2023 World Chess Championship cemented his place as one of the brightest stars in the chess world.
Gukesh’s rise in chess has been rapid and impressive. Despite his youth, he has already achieved what many players only dream of, and his success has garnered attention and admiration globally. With his victory at the Chess Olympiad, he contributed to India’s growing stature as a chess powerhouse.
Praveen Kumar: Paralympic Champion and Inspirational Athlete
Praveen Kumar, the Paralympic gold medalist, has been selected for the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for his remarkable achievements in para-sports. The 22-year-old high-jumper won the T64 classification at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where athletes with one or both legs amputated below the knee compete with the help of prosthetics. His gold medal at the Paralympics not only earned him international acclaim but also inspired countless others in the para-sports community.
Praveen’s journey is an inspiring tale of determination, overcoming adversity, and achieving excellence against all odds. His inclusion in the Khel Ratna Award list is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and contributions to Indian sport on the world stage.
Arjuna Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Indian Sports
In addition to the Khel Ratna recipients, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has named 32 athletes for the prestigious Arjuna Award. This includes 17 para-athletes who have excelled in their respective fields. The Arjuna Award recognizes outstanding achievements in national and international sports, and these athletes have brought pride to India with their performances.
The list of Arjuna Awardees includes athletes from diverse sports such as athletics, badminton, boxing, and para-sports. These awards celebrate not only the athletes’ hard work but also their role in inspiring future generations of sports enthusiasts in India.
Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2025
The recipients of the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award will be presented with their medals and certificates at a special ceremony hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025. The ceremony will be a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in the careers of these four athletes and recognizing their invaluable contributions to Indian sports.
This year’s Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award winners exemplify the spirit of excellence that Indian athletes continue to embody on the global stage. As the country moves forward, the achievements of these sportspeople will serve as a source of motivation for future generations of athletes.
Conclusion: Honoring Excellence and Inspiring Future Generations
The announcement of the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award winners has brought immense joy to the Indian sporting community. Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, D. Gukesh, and Praveen Kumar have all demonstrated extraordinary dedication, talent, and resilience in their respective sports. Their hard-earned recognition not only rewards their individual success but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.
As they prepare to receive their awards, these athletes have set new benchmarks for excellence, reinforcing India’s growing prominence on the global sports map. The 2025 Khel Ratna recipients truly embody the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence that the award seeks to honor.
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