On January 2, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) decided to give the prestigious Khel Ratna Award to four players for 2024. These players are Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Praveen Kumar & Harmanpreet Singh. Gukesh became the world’s youngest chess champion in Singapore last December. Bhaker won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. India claimed a bronze medal in men’s hockey, led by Harmanpreet’s efforts. Praveen has also clinched gold for India in men’s high jump T64 in the Paris Paralympics.
They also announced that 32 players will be given Arjuna Awards for 2024. All awardees will receive their award from the President at a special function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, at 11 am on Friday.
No award for cricket
This year will be a dismay for cricket lovers as no single player from cricket has been awarded the Khel Ratna & Arjuna awards. This is quite shocking. Even in the coach category, no name from cricket has come up.
Majors’ Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024
This award is considered the highest distinction in Indian sports and is presented for marvelous and remarkable performance over the previous four years.
Awardees:
- Gukesh D- Chess
- Harmanpreet Singh- Hockey
- Para-Athletics – Praveen Kumar
- Manu Bhakar – Shooting
Arjuna Awards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2024
Given the persistent performances imparting exemplary qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline, the Arjuna Awards were presented to the under-mentioned athletes:
Athletics: Jyothi Yarraji, Annu Rani
- Boxing: Nitu, Saweety
- Chess: Vantika Agrawal
- Hockey: Salima Tete, Abhishek, Sanjay. Jarmanpreet Singh. Sukhjeet Singh
- Para Sports:
- Preeti Pal, Ajeet Singh, and Rubina Francis were among other athletes recognized for exceptional work in the fields of Para-Athletics, Para-Badminton, and Para-Shooting.
- Other Disciplines:
- Swapnil Suresh Kusale: Shooting
- Sajan Prakash: Swimming
- Aman: Wrestling
Arjuna Awards Lifetime for Outstanding Performance
Honoring a different kind of life course, two living legends of the Indian sporting firmament were recognized for their lifework:
- Sucha Singh – Athletics
- Murlikant Rajaram Petkar – Para – Swimming
Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games 2024
Excellence in coaching is recognized by awarding the following individuals:
- Regular Category
- Subhash Rana – Para Shooting
- Deepali Deshpande – Shooting
- Sandeep Sangwan – Hockey
- Lifetime Category
- S Muralidharan – Badminton
- Armando Agnelo Colaco – Football
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2024
The Physical Education Foundation of India thus got recognition for its contribution to promoting sport.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2024
The award for the best university at Khelo India University Games was won this year by:
- Overall Winner – Chandigarh University
- 1st Runner-up – Lovely Professional University (Punjab)
- 2nd Runner-up – Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
The National Sports Awards reflect India’s flourishing sporting culture and the commitment of its players, coaches, and institutions. Congratulations to every victorious and inspired individual on the nation’s passion and excellence!
