Manu Bhaker, Gukesh D Honored with Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu

Indian sports icons Manu Bhaker and Gukesh D received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Friday from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

Alongside them, Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete high jumper Praveen Kumar were also recognized with the country’s highest sporting honor for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields.

Recognizing Exceptional Achievements in Sports

The four recipients of this year’s Khel Ratna have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment, achieving significant milestones on the global stage.

Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian since Independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

The young shooter secured bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, chess prodigy Gukesh D etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever chess world champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14-game final.

The victory marked him as only the second Indian to achieve this feat after the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, played a pivotal role in securing consecutive bronze medals for India in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

His leadership and resilience propelled the team to victories against Germany and Spain, respectively.

Similarly, para-athlete Praveen Kumar upgraded his silver medal from the Tokyo Paralympics to a gold in the Paris Paralympics, cementing his status as a world-class high jumper.

Gukesh D’s Historic Chess Achievement

Gukesh D’s journey to becoming the youngest chess world champion captured the imagination of the sports community.

In the final showdown against Ding Liren, Gukesh maintained composure and focus throughout the 14 games.

The deciding moment came when Liren made a critical error, allowing Gukesh to seize victory and claim the title. Chess.com India celebrated his achievement, stating, “Your hard work and passion continue to inspire us all—onward and upward.”

Manu Bhaker’s Memorable Moment and Reaction

Manu Bhaker’s recognition at the Rashtrapati Bhawan ceremony was accompanied by a light-hearted moment. While her achievements were being read out, Manu misinterpreted a pause in the announcement and began moving forward to receive her award.

Realizing her mistake, she quickly stepped back, managing the situation with poise and grace.

Speaking to ANI after receiving the award, Manu expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to receive the Khel Ratna. This will inspire me to work harder in the future and win more medals for the country.”

She also highlighted her rigorous training schedule in preparation for upcoming competitions.

Manu Bhaker: Rising Above Challenges

Manu’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After a disappointing performance in the Tokyo Olympics, she bounced back to deliver a historic achievement in Paris.

The shooter also addressed earlier controversies regarding her Khel Ratna nomination, acknowledging a lapse in the application process, which was subsequently corrected.

In another revelation, Manu raised concerns about the quality of Olympic medals after noticing the top layer of her medals peeling off.

She remarked, “The Olympic medals are something to be cherished for life… The quality should be top-notch.”

She welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s decision to replace defective medals, noting that many athletes had expressed similar concerns.

Focusing on the Future

Looking ahead, Manu Bhaker has set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After skipping the World Cup Finals and national championships, she has devoted herself entirely to training.

Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I’m sure I’ll have my fair share of ups and downs… I’m mentally prepared for that.”

Manu’s achievements in Paris, including a fourth-place finish in the women’s 25m air pistol event, underscore her potential to achieve even greater heights.

Her story of perseverance and determination continues to inspire aspiring athletes across the country.

Honoring India’s Sporting Excellence

The Khel Ratna ceremony also celebrated the achievements of other athletes, with 32 sportspersons receiving the Arjuna Award.

These recognitions highlight the breadth of talent and dedication in Indian sports, reinforcing the country’s commitment to nurturing its athletes.

As Manu Bhaker, Gukesh D, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar bask in the glory of their achievements, their stories serve as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.