The National Sports Awards 2024 were distributed by the Sports Ministry at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. President Draupadi Murmu felicitated the winners. Murmu first conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh.
Apart from them, shooter Manu Bhaker, who won a double medal in the Olympics, hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and para athlete Praveen Kumar were conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
34 players, including Navdeep, who won the javelin gold at the Paris Paralympics, were given the Arjuna Award. Of these, 17 are para-athletes, while 2 are for lifetime achievement. Apart from these, 5 coaches received the Dronacharya Award.
Manu won double medals at the Paris Olympics
Manu Bhaker won double Olympic medals at the Paris Olympic Games in August-September. She finished third in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed doubles. On the basis of his two medals, India won a total of 6 medals in the Paris Olympics.
18-year-old Gukesh is the new chess world champion, won the title at the youngest age
18-year-old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh won the World Chess Championship title on 11 December in Singapore. He defeated China’s defending champion Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in the final. Gukesh has become the first player in the world to win the title at such a young age. Earlier in 1985, Russia’s Garry Kasparov won this title at the age of 22.
Praveen won Paralympic gold with a record in high jump
Praveen Kumar surprised everyone by winning the gold medal with an Asian record in men’s high jump at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Praveen, who won the silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, gave the best performance of his career in the T64 event and made his name in history by crossing the height of 2.08 meters.
National Sports Awards
National Sports Awards are given for significant contribution in the field of sports in India. In this, players, coaches or organizations are honored with six different awards for their achievements and contribution to the development of Indian sports.
The National Sports Awards of India include six awards. Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (also known as Maka Trophy) and National Sports Promotion. Apart from these, another lifetime award is given in the name of Dhyanchand Award. This award is given for lifetime contribution to the development of sports. This time no one was given this award in this category.
Since 2004, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award is also being given along with six National Sports Awards.
Last year 26 players got Arjun Award
Last year 26 players including cricketer Mohammed Shami got Arjun Award. While 5 coaches got Dronacharya Award. Badminton star pair Satwik Sairaj and Chirag Shetty were awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
Indian hockey team captain and drag flicker Harmanpreet Singh has received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award today for his strong game and extraordinary talent. Despite being a defender, Harmanpreet is often seen celebrating after scoring a brilliant goal against the opposing team.
