In a glittering ceremony in New Delhi, Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, 17 January, honoured four of India’s finest athletes with the Nation’s highest sporting accolade, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The recipients—shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy Gukesh D, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar—have made the country proud on the global stage with their extraordinary achievements.

A League of Legends

Manu Bhaker: The Shooting Sensation Manu Bhaker continues to excel in Indian shooting. She made history as the first Indian since Independence to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. At the Paris Games, she clinched a bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event and teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed event. What’s even more remarkable is her resilience—overcoming a pistol malfunction in Tokyo to bounce back stronger. Bhaker’s dedication and calm under pressure have made her a role model for aspiring shooters across India.

Gukesh D: Chess’s Youngest Champion At just 17, Gukesh D achieved what many can only dream of—he became the youngest chess world champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14-game clash. The final game seemed destined for a draw until a critical blunder under pressure by Liren handed the title to Gukesh. This victory places him in elite company as only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to claim the world chess crown. Gukesh’s triumph reflects his sharp intellect, relentless focus, and nerves of steel.

Harmanpreet Singh: The Hockey Dynamo India’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has been the driving force behind the team’s resurgence. Under his leadership, India secured back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, defeating formidable teams like Germany and Spain. Harmanpreet’s precision on the field and ability to inspire his teammates have brought Indian hockey back into the global spotlight, rekindling the nation’s love for the sport.

Praveen Kumar: A Golden Leap Para-athlete Praveen Kumar has broken many barriers. Born with a short left leg, he has overcome challenges with unyielding determination. Praveen upgraded his Tokyo Olympics silver medal to a stunning gold in the high jump at the Paris Games, cementing his place as one of India’s finest para-athletes. His story reminds us that any obstacle can be overcome with hard work and perseverance.

Celebrating Excellence: The Arjuna Awards

While the Khel Ratna honorees took center stage, 32 other athletes were recognized with the prestigious Arjuna Award for their remarkable performances. Para-athletes dominated the list, reflecting India’s record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics, where they brought home 29 medals, including seven golds and nine silvers. This year’s awards underline the growing prominence of para-sports in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream big.

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is a celebration of the indomitable spirit that defines India’s sports stars. From Manu Bhaker’s steady aim to Gukesh’s strategic brilliance, from Harmanpreet’s leadership to Praveen’s golden leap, these athletes have shown that with dedication and perseverance, dreams can indeed turn into reality.