Manu Bhaker, Gukesh Among Four Athletes to Receive Khel Ratna

by The_unmuteenglish

New Delhi, 2 January 2025: Double Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker and reigning chess World Champion D Gukesh are among four athletes who will be awarded India’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. They will receive the prestigious award alongside hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar, the latter earning recognition for his gold in the men’s T64 high jump at the Tokyo Paralympics. The Khel Ratna ceremony will take place on January 17.

The inclusion of Bhaker, a celebrated shooter, follows controversy over her initial omission from the Arjuna Award committee’s recommendations, which led to significant scrutiny of the sports ministry. Sources within the ministry hinted that both Bhaker’s and Gukesh’s names would be added after public outcry, prompting Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to exercise his discretionary powers to officially amend the list.

Manu Bhaker’s name was initially missing from the list, causing considerable embarrassment for the sports ministry. In response to this, the ministry confirmed that the omission was an error and that Bhaker’s achievements would be duly acknowledged. “After the issue was raised, I am pleased that both Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh will now be included in the list,” Mandaviya said, referring to the additions made under his powers.

The announcement of the awardees had been delayed following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Alongside Bhaker, Gukesh, Singh, and Kumar, other prominent athletes like shooting stars Swapnil Kusale, Sarabjot Singh, and Aman Sehrawat—bronze medalists in wrestling—will also be honoured.

The complete list of athletes includes 32 Arjuna Award winners, with notable figures like 2023 Women’s World Boxing gold medallist Saweety Boora, javelin star Annu Rani, hockey player Salima Tete, and track and field athlete Jyothi Yarraji. These athletes have showcased exemplary performances in various sports, earning their places in this year’s prestigious awards ceremony.

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