The government of India honour the prestigious award, the Khel Ratna Award, will be given to four exceptional athletes in 2025.
The ministry of sports has confirmed that the shooter Manu Bhakar, chess player Prodigy D Gukesh, Indian men hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic high jumper Parveen Kumar will be awarded. Their recognition highlights their individual as well as the nation’s growing performance on the global satellite sports level.
The Ministry has confirmed that the nominations for the prestigious awards for sportspersons and coaches were made based on the recommendations of a specialized committee, following a thorough review process. After this detailed scrutiny, the government has decided to honor four outstanding individuals with the awards this year.
Manu Bhakar, a 23-year-old, has emerged as one of the brightest shooters in the nation as she waves in the 10-meter air pistol event, Bhakar has consistently shown her skill on the world level. She has remarkable achievements which also include winning gold medals at the 2018 youth Olympics and a no of medals at world cup events. She also played an important role India’s qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her dedication towards sports and also, she performed consistently at the international level which make her deserving recipient of the Khel Ratna Award.
D Gukesh, at the age of 17 achieved the position as one of the youngest chess grandmaster. Who has an extraordinary tactical acumen. He has emerged as beacon of Indian chess. The recent triumphs, which include victories at the international tournaments and also notable performance in the reputed competitions, including the chess.com global champion, he also helped in solidify it’s status as the chess powerhouse. The Khel Ratna Award recognizes his remarkable consistency as well as he also inspires young talent.
Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, is another awardee. His leadership was a driving force behind the team’s success, securing a second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. His contributions on and off the field have been pivotal in Indian hockey’s growing success.
Finally, Praveen Kumar, the para-athlete and T64 champion in high-jumping at the Paris Paralympics, will also be receiving the award. The T64 category is for athletes with movement impairments in one or both lower legs, who rely on a prosthetic limb for running. Kumar’s journey is an inspiration, as he has broken barriers and shown immense courage in his sport.
These athletes, with their hard work, determination, and unwavering focus, have not only set exceptional benchmarks in their respective fields but have also become powerful role models for the younger generation. Their achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance, and they continue to inspire countless teens to dream big and pursue their goals with dedication.
