Para-athletes emerged as the stars of the National Sports Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, as they received overwhelming applause for their stellar achievements.
While double Olympic-medallist Manu Bhaker and 18-year-old chess world champion D Gukesh added star power to the event, it was the remarkable performances of para-athletes that stole the show.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna to notable athletes including Bhaker, Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold-winning high jumper Praveen Kumar.
At just 22, Manu Bhaker became independent India’s first athlete to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics with a bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event and 10m air pistol mixed team event in August 2024.
Harmanpreet Singh played a crucial role in India’s Olympic campaigns, winning bronze in both Tokyo and Paris. Praveen Kumar upgraded his silver at Tokyo to a gold in Paris; born with a short left leg, his journey of perseverance is an inspiration.
D Gukesh, at 18, became the youngest chess world champion by defeating China’s Ding Liren last month. His contribution was pivotal to India’s gold medal victory in the Chess Olympiad in September.
An unprecedented 17 out of 32 Arjuna Awards were bestowed upon para-athletes, a testament to their stellar performance at the Paris Paralympics, where India secured 29 medals, including seven golds and nine silvers.
The ceremony witnessed heartfelt moments, including the award presented to 80-year-old Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold-medallist, who overcame adversity to win the gold medal in 1972. Actor Kartik Aryan, who played Petkar in a biopic titled 'Chandu Champion', was among the applauding dignitaries.
President Murmu broke tradition to personally receive some wheelchair-bound athletes like Pranav Soorma, who received the Arjuna for his Paralympic silver in club throw.
The awards include a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh for the Khel Ratna, and Rs 15 lakh for both the Arjuna and Dronacharya awards. The annual honours are selected through a points system, with emphasis placed on performances at the Olympics and World Championships.
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