National Sports Awards 2025: Para-Athletes Steal Show
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) – The prestigious National Sports Awards ceremony unfolded at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, where the nation’s finest athletes were honored by President Droupadi Murmu. While double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy D Gukesh added glamour to the event, it was India’s para-athletes who garnered the loudest applause. The ceremony highlighted their inspiring achievements, with 17 of the 32 Arjuna Award recipients being para-athletes—a historic moment in Indian sports.
Top Honorees: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the country’s highest sporting honor, was conferred on four athletes this year:
- Manu Bhaker: The 22-year-old shooter etched her name in history as the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single edition. She clinched bronze in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events at the Tokyo Olympics.
- D Gukesh: At just 18 years old, Gukesh became the youngest-ever chess world champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren last month. He also played a pivotal role in India’s gold-winning performance at the Chess Olympiad in September.
- Harmanpreet Singh: The captain of India’s men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet, was instrumental in securing bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
- Praveen Kumar: A Paralympic high jumper, Praveen upgraded his Tokyo silver medal to a gold at the Paris Paralympics. Despite being born with a short left leg, his achievements epitomize resilience and determination.
Para-Athletes Lead the Honors
This year’s awards were a testament to the extraordinary performance of India’s para-athletes at the Paris Paralympics, where they brought home 29 medals, including seven gold and nine silver. The historic feat was reflected in the National Sports Awards, with para-athletes outnumbering their able-bodied counterparts in the Arjuna Award list for the first time.
Notable Para-Athlete Honorees
- Pranav Soorma: The wheelchair-bound athlete won a silver medal in the club throw event at the Paris Paralympics. President Murmu broke tradition by stepping down from the podium to personally greet him.
- Petkar: One of the most inspirational athletes of the evening, Petkar, who has been a trailblazer in Indian para-sports, drew the loudest applause from the audience.
Arjuna Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Sports
The Arjuna Award celebrated 32 outstanding athletes, 17 of whom were para-athletes, showcasing the growing inclusivity in Indian sports.
Highlights from the Arjuna Awardees
- Wrestling: Aman Sehrawat, who clinched bronze at the Paris Olympics, received the honor.
- Shooting: Sarabjot Singh, Manu Bhaker’s partner in the 10m air pistol mixed competition, was recognized for his contribution to India’s shooting success.
- Hockey: Players Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, and Abhishek were honored for their contributions to the bronze-winning national team at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
The dominance of para-athletes among the Arjuna Awardees highlighted their extraordinary performances in global competitions, breaking barriers and inspiring millions.
Inspiration from Para-Athletes
India’s para-athletes have redefined the boundaries of possibility, proving that disability is no barrier to greatness. The Paris Paralympics was a watershed moment for India, as the country achieved its best-ever performance.
India’s Paralympic Glory
- Medal Count: 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze)
- Star Performers: Praveen Kumar (high jump gold), Pranav Soorma (club throw silver), and others who showcased unmatched dedication and skill.
The success of these athletes has inspired policy changes and greater focus on inclusive sports infrastructure, paving the way for future generations.
D Gukesh: A Chess Prodigy’s Remarkable Journey
Among the stars honored, D Gukesh’s achievement stood out. The 18-year-old became the youngest chess world champion, following in the footsteps of Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
Key Achievements:
- Defeated reigning champion Ding Liren to claim the world title.
- Played a decisive role in India’s gold-winning campaign at the Chess Olympiad.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise has cemented India’s position as a global chess powerhouse, inspiring a new generation of players.
Manu Bhaker: A Trailblazer in Indian Shooting
Manu Bhaker’s journey as a shooting prodigy continues to inspire. At just 22 years old, she became independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.
Olympic Success:
- Bronze in the 10m air pistol individual event.
- Bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
Bhaker’s achievements have not only elevated Indian shooting but have also underscored the importance of nurturing young talent in sports.
Harmanpreet Singh: The Backbone of Indian Hockey
The Indian men’s hockey team has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, with Harmanpreet Singh at the helm. His leadership and performances were instrumental in India securing back-to-back Olympic bronze medals.
Olympic Feats:
- Bronze in Tokyo 2021.
- Bronze in Paris 2024.
Harmanpreet’s contribution has solidified India’s standing as a force to reckon with in international hockey.
President Murmu’s Tribute to Athletes
President Droupadi Murmu’s personal touch added a special charm to the National Sports Awards ceremony. Her decision to break tradition and step down from the podium to greet wheelchair-bound athletes was a heartwarming gesture that underscored her commitment to inclusivity and equality in sports.
The Road Ahead for Indian Sports
The National Sports Awards 2025 showcased the diversity and depth of talent in Indian sports. From the record-breaking performances of para-athletes to the trailblazing achievements of young stars like Gukesh and Bhaker, the event celebrated the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes.
As India prepares for future global competitions, the achievements of these athletes serve as a reminder of the nation’s potential to excel on the world stage. With continued support, investment, and inclusivity, Indian sports are poised for even greater heights.
The National Sports Awards 2025 was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and inclusivity in Indian sports. While stars like Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh shone brightly, the event truly belonged to the para-athletes who inspired with their incredible journeys and achievements.
As President Murmu honored these champions at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it became evident that Indian sports are entering a golden era, driven by talent, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. The future of Indian sports looks brighter than ever.
10 Side Effects of Papaya Eating Too Much You Should Know
10 Surprising Side Effects of Papaya Too Much Consumption Revealed Papaya, often called the “fruit of angels,” is a tropical delight loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. However, as the saying goes, too much of anything can be harmful—and papaya is no exception. While it offers numerous health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to several …
