The prestigious Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, will be conferred upon four exceptional athletes in 2025. The recipients of this honor are Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Gukesh D (Chess), and Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), recognizing their remarkable contributions to their respective sports.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has sent waves of celebration through the sporting community, with these athletes being lauded for their extraordinary performances and dedication. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 17, 2025, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the prestigious award.
Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India’s men’s hockey team, is being honored for his stellar performances and leadership on the global stage. Known for his powerful drag flicks and exceptional tactical acumen, Singh led the Indian team to several remarkable victories, including their historic bronze medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His leadership and contribution to Indian hockey have been transformative, establishing him as one of the finest players in the sport.
Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
Manu Bhaker, the young and dynamic shooter, is being recognized for her impressive achievements in the shooting arena. Having made a mark internationally with gold medal performances in various ISSF events and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, Bhaker has become one of India’s brightest stars in shooting. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and consistency in competitive shooting has earned her the Khel Ratna Award.
Gukesh D (Chess)
Gukesh D, a prodigious talent in the world of chess, is the youngest ever chess grandmaster from India to receive the Khel Ratna Award. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has already earned a reputation as one of the top chess players globally, securing a string of notable victories against top-rated grandmasters. His rise in international chess and his potential to further elevate India’s standing in the world of chess make him a deserving recipient of the award.
Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete, is being honored for his exceptional performances in the field of para-athletics. A silver medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics in the Men’s High Jump T64 category, Kumar’s inspiring journey has captured the hearts of millions. Despite facing physical challenges, his dedication and unwavering spirit to achieve excellence have made him a role model for countless aspiring athletes, both in India and globally.
A Landmark Moment in Indian Sports
The Khel Ratna Award ceremony in 2025 will be a significant moment in Indian sports history, as it highlights the diverse fields in which Indian athletes continue to excel. From hockey to shooting, chess, and para-athletics, the recipients have demonstrated not only incredible skill and determination but also the values of perseverance and resilience.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony, which will serve as a tribute to the athletes’ hard work, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Khel Ratna Award has a rich legacy of celebrating India’s sporting heroes, and the conferral of this honor to Harmanpreet Singh, Manu Bhaker, Gukesh D, and Praveen Kumar further exemplifies the country’s growing prominence on the global sports stage.
This year’s recipients are a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian sports, where athletes from varied disciplines are making their mark and inspiring the next generation of champions. As the country continues to support its athletes with world-class infrastructure, coaching, and resources, the future looks promising for Indian sports, with these four distinguished athletes leading the charge.
The entire nation awaits the grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, where these sporting icons will be honored for their contributions to the world of sports.
