In New Delhi, Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his admiration for the recipients of the Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards, calling them the pride of the country. The awards ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, where notable athletes were honored.
Among the awardees were double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Para Athlete Praveen Kumar. These athletes received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Mandaviya highlighted that 17 para-athletes were also recognized with the National Sports Awards 2025. He emphasized that these athletes enhance India's reputation on the international stage.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Sports Awards 2024 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Indian men's hockey players Sanjay, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and women's hockey team captain Salima Tete received Arjuna Awards for their outstanding performances. Olympic medalist Swapnil Kusale and Para-Olympic shooters Mona Agarwal and Rubina Francis were also honored with Arjuna Awards.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had previously announced the names of the National Sports Awards 2024 recipients earlier this month.
A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the Indian government. Mansukh Mandaviya is the Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs.
The Khel Ratna is India's highest sporting honor given to athletes for their outstanding performance in sports.
The Arjuna Award is a prestigious award given to Indian athletes for their excellent achievements in national sports.
Rashtrapati Bhawan is the official residence of the President of India, located in New Delhi.
Major Dhyan Chand was a famous Indian hockey player, and the Khel Ratna award is named after him to honor his contributions to sports.
Para-athletes are athletes who have physical disabilities and compete in sports events specially designed for them.
Droupadi Murmu is the President of India, the highest constitutional position in the country.
The National Sports Awards are given by the Indian government to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in sports.
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