Champions Crowned: India Honors Its Sporting Legends With the Khel Ratna Awards

India’s prestigious Khel Ratna Awards have become a symbol of excellence, celebrating athletes who inspire millions with their remarkable achievements. In a grand ceremony in New Delhi, four of the country’s sporting legends were honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy Gukesh D, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, whose accomplishments have put India on the global map.

Manu Bhaker: A Shooter’s Precision

Manu Bhaker has made history in Indian shooting, particularly at the Olympics. A trailblazer in her field, she became the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. Her bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event and another in the 10m air pistol mixed event at the Paris Olympics highlighted her resilience and focus. Overcoming adversity, such as a malfunctioning pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker’s perseverance and success have made her a role model for aspiring athletes.

Gukesh D: The Young Chess Sensation

At just 17 years old, Gukesh D achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the youngest chess world champion. His triumph came after a tense 14-game battle against China’s Ding Liren, where a single blunder secured the title for Gukesh. This victory positioned him as only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to claim the coveted title, cementing his place among the elite in global chess.

Harmanpreet Singh: A Hockey Leader

Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership has been integral to the resurgence of Indian hockey. Under his guidance, the team clinched back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. His exceptional skills and unwavering leadership have revived India’s love for the sport, helping the team triumph over formidable opponents like Germany and Spain. Harmanpreet’s influence both on and off the field has been nothing short of inspiring.

Praveen Kumar: A Paralympic Icon

Para-athlete Praveen Kumar has shattered boundaries with his extraordinary performances. Born with a short left leg, Kumar defied the odds to secure a gold in high jump at the Paris Paralympics, improving on his silver from the Tokyo Games. His inspiring journey speaks volumes about determination and the power of perseverance. Kumar’s success serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring para-athletes in India and worldwide.

The Khel Ratna Awards 2025 not only recognized these four exceptional athletes but also celebrated the broader success of Indian sports. With a growing emphasis on para-athletics, India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics, which included 29 medals, further reflects the nation’s expanding sporting culture.

These athletes embody India’s relentless pursuit of excellence, showcasing that hard work, resilience, and passion can lead to greatness on the world stage. The Khel Ratna Awards continue to inspire the nation, proving that champions come in many forms—whether on the track, in the chessboard, or on the field.