Gukesh, Manu Bhaker among four athletes to be awarded Khel Ratna

In addition to Manu Bhaker and Gukesh, Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who was a key figure in the Indian team claiming a second bronze medal at a consecutive Olympics, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar are the other two names nominated for the award.

“The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17th January, 2025 (Friday) at 1100 hours,” the sports ministry said in a press release.

“Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, Government has decided to confer awards upon the following sportspersons, coaches, university and entity,” the ministry statement further added.

The 22-year-old Manu Bhaker won bronze in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events in August.

In the same Olympics in Paris, Hamranpreet led the Indian hockey team to its second consecutive bronze medal.

The fourth recipient will be para high-jumper Praveen, who was crowned the T64 champion in the Paris Paralympics. The T64 classification is for athletes who have one or both legs missing below the knee and rely on a prosthetic leg for running.

Full list of awardees at sports awards

(With agency inputs)