The Indian sports community is in celebration as shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been selected as recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker's historic double-medal win at the Olympics, along with Harmanpreet's leadership in securing a second consecutive bronze for the Indian hockey team, were highlights of their achievements. Gukesh's victory as the youngest ever chess world champion and helping India win the gold in Chess Olympiad, and Praveen's T64 championship win in Paralympics, have also earned them the prestigious award. The award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the awardees will receive this recognition from the President of India.
Khel Ratna Award: Honoring India's Sporting Excellence
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sports honor, bestowed annually upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of sports. Established in 1991, the award is named after legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
2024 Recipients
The 2024 Khel Ratna Award recipients are:
Background
The Khel Ratna Award is conferred upon sportspersons who have:
Since its inception, the award has been bestowed upon numerous sporting legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, P.T. Usha, and Vishwanathan Anand.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is eligible for the Khel Ratna Award?
Athletes who have represented India in international competitions and have achieved extraordinary success are eligible for the award.
2. What are the criteria for selection?
The selection committee considers factors such as individual performance, team contributions, and sportsmanship.
3. How many recipients are chosen each year?
Typically, up to five recipients are selected annually.
4. What does the award include?
Recipients receive a cash prize of INR 25 lakhs, a medal, and a certificate of honor.
5. Who presents the award?
The Khel Ratna Award is presented by the President of India at a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner made history by scoring the fastest century in Women's ODI World Cup, taking only 69 deliveries to reach the milestone. She led Australia to a comfortable win over England with an unbeaten 104* alongside Annabel Sutherland, who also put up an impressive performance with an unbeaten 98*. It was Gardner's second century of the tournament, both scored at Indore, and she surpassed Deandra Dottin's record set in 2017 for the fastest century in Women's ODI World Cup.
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has caused controversy after questioning the exclusion of Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan from the India A cricket squad. Mohamed's post sparked political reactions and raised concerns about injecting communal overtones into team selection. This is not the first time Mohamed has faced criticism for her social media posts involving cricketers. Sarfaraz's omission has also caused discussion among fans and former players, with many labeling it as unfair.
Australia's depth and resilience were on full display as they secured a six-wicket win over England in the ODI World Cup 2025. Despite missing key players, the defending champions dominated thanks to a stellar performance from Annabel Sutherland, who took three wickets and notched a crucial unbeaten 98 alongside the aggressive Ashleigh Gardner (104*). Their partnership of 180 runs helped seal the victory comfortably, leaving England frustrated.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj opens up about his emotional and physical journey of returning to international Test cricket after almost a year. With relentless effort and passion, Siraj delivered 10 wickets in the series against West Indies, earning the title of India's 'Impact Player of the Series'. Beyond the accolades, Siraj's love for the longest format and his determination to perform in tough conditions makes him an invaluable member of the Indian cricket team.
After being left out of the India A squad for the upcoming series against South Africa A, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan's name was noticeably missing from the 15-member list announced by the BCCI. Despite strong performances and physical transformation, the 26-year old was once again denied the chance to represent his country in Test cricket. As veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and fans express their dismay, questions arise about transparency and fairness in the selection process. Talent alone may no longer be enough for Sarfaraz, as he fights for recognition and a chance to prove himself on the international stage.
Despite an early lead by FC Goa's Brison Fernandes, Al-Nassr dominated the match with their possession and skilled passing, scoring two goals through Angelo and Camara. The visitors reinforced their attack with star names Sadio Mané and João Félix in the second half, but Goa's defense held firm. Al-Nassr's win keeps them unbeaten and on top of Group A, while Goa's third consecutive loss puts them in a difficult position in the competition.
In a highly-anticipated matchup, Australia proved their dominance in the Cricket World Cup by defeating England by a comfortable six wickets. Despite England's strong start, their middle-order struggles continued leading to their first defeat of the tournament. Australia's Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner stole the show with an unbeaten 180-run partnership, solidifying their top spot in the standings and securing their spot in the semi-finals.
The second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa proved to be an intense battle on day three, with South Africa's Tristan Stubbs leading a strong batting performance and scoring an impressive unbeaten 68 runs. However, the host team managed to take two late wickets, keeping them in a dominant position in the match. Catch all the highlights and updates from this thrilling test match.
Neeraj Chopra, the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field, has been conferred with the insignia of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Chopra, who joined the Indian Army in 2016, received the honor during a formal ceremony at South Block in New Delhi. The two-time Olympic medallist has served with The Rajputana Rifles and continues to make his country proud, both on and off the field.
Neeraj Chopra, India's first-ever Olympic gold medallist in athletics, received yet another honour in his decorated career as he was bestowed with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The pipping ceremony, attended by top military officials including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, hailed Chopra as an inspiration for his unwavering dedication and patriotism. With multiple other accolades to his name, Chopra continues to raise the bar for Indian sports and has been a trailblazer for generations to come.