The Sports Ministry has officially announced the recipients of the prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards. Badminton players Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been confirmed for the Khel Ratna honor, while pacer Mohammed Shami and 25 other sports persons have been selected for the Arjuna award.

The Khel Ratna awards, considered the highest sporting honor in India, will be presented to Satwik and Chirag, who have achieved remarkable success in the field of badminton. The duo has clinched gold at the Asian Games, won bronze at the World Championships, and secured silver at the Commonwealth Games.

Mohammed Shami, renowned for his exceptional performances in cricket, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions. Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in seven matches. His remarkable performance played a vital role in India's journey to the final.

Additionally, the Arjuna award, which celebrates excellence in sports, will be bestowed upon 25 other deserving athletes. The recipients include hockey players Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sushila Chanu, archers Ojas Pravin Deotale and Aditi Gopichand Swami, and wrestler Antim Panghal, among others.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honors to the athletes. This recognition by the Sports Ministry serves as a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication demonstrated by these athletes in their respective fields.