The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced the recipients of the National Sports Awards 2024, celebrating outstanding performances and contributions to Indian sports. The awards will be presented by the President of India at a grand ceremony on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 Recipients
The Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, will be conferred upon four exceptional athletes:
| Name | Discipline | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Manu Bhaker | Shooting | – First Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single edition (10m air pistol events). |
| D Gukesh | Chess | – Youngest World Champion in chess history; key player in India’s Chess Olympiad gold medal. |
| Harmanpreet Singh | Hockey | – Led India to its second consecutive bronze medal in the Olympics. |
| Praveen Kumar | Para-Athletics | – T64 high-jump champion at the Paris Paralympics. |
Arjuna Awards 2024: Recognizing Sporting Excellence
The Arjuna Award will honor 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, for their outstanding performances across various sports:
| Name | Discipline | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Jyothi Yarraji | Athletics | National record holder in hurdles. |
| Annu Rani | Athletics | Historic javelin thrower with multiple international medals. |
| Vantika Agrawal | Chess | Rising star with significant achievements in international chess tournaments. |
| Sajan Prakash | Swimming | First Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympics “A” standard. |
| Simran | Para-Athletics | Consistent performer at international para-athletic events. |
| Rubina Francis | Para-Shooting | World record holder in 10m air pistol para-shooting. |
| Abhay Singh | Squash | Promising young talent with global recognition. |
Lifetime Achievement: Arjuna Award
Two sports legends will be recognized for their lifetime contributions:
| Name | Discipline | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Sucha Singh | Athletics | Inspirational coach and athlete. |
| Murlikant Rajaram Petkar | Para-Swimming | Paralympic gold medalist and a pioneer in Indian para-sports. |
Dronacharya Award 2024: Honoring Coaches
Five coaches will be awarded the Dronacharya Award for their outstanding contributions to nurturing talent:
| Name | Discipline | Category | Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subhash Rana | Para-Shooting | Regular | Mentored numerous para-shooting champions. |
| Deepali Deshpande | Shooting | Regular | Renowned coach for developing world-class shooters. |
| S Muralidharan | Badminton | Lifetime | Lifelong dedication to badminton coaching. |
| Armando Agnelo Colaco | Football | Lifetime | Legendary coach with a transformative impact on Indian football. |
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2024
The Physical Education Foundation of India has been recognized for its exceptional efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level.
Significance of the National Sports Awards
The National Sports Awards continue to highlight India’s growing excellence in sports while inspiring future athletes and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship. This year’s recipients showcase the country’s diverse talent across disciplines, further solidifying India’s reputation on the global stage.
Join the Celebration
Stay tuned for updates on the awards ceremony and exclusive interviews with the recipients. Celebrate India’s sports champions who continue to make the nation proud!
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