The quartet of shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were named recipients of this year’s Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award — the country’s highest sporting honour.The 22-year-old Bhaker became independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics with her bronze-winning show in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events in August.
In the same Games, Hamranpreet led the Indian hockey team to its second consecutive bronze medal.
The 18-year-old Gukesh, on the other hand, became the youngest ever World champion while also helping the Indian team win a historic gold in the Chess Olympiad last year.
The fourth recipient will be para high-jumper Praveen, who was crowned the T64 champion in the Paris Paralympics.
“The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Gukesh promised his “best moves on 64 square and outside” in future as well after being chosen for the prestigious ‘Khel Ratna’ award by the government.
Gukesh recently became the youngest-ever world champion when he defeated China’s Ding Liren. He is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the title.
“Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, I am truly grateful and feel humbled to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Your words and guidance have always inspired me to strive for excellence and make the nation proud,” Gukesh wrote on X.
“I promise to continue delivering my best moves on 64 squares and outside of it. Thank you Hon. Sports Minister @mansukhmandviya Ji for your constant support.”
He had become the challenger for the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament earlier in 2023 when he was 17.
The Chennai-based Gukesh had also become the top-ranked player from India last year to end Anand’s 37-year run.