Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 Winners
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Instituted in 1991–1992, it recognizes exceptional performances by sportspersons in international events over a period of four years.
Initially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the award was renamed in 2021 to honor the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who is celebrated for his extraordinary contribution to Indian hockey.
Objectives of the Award
The Khel Ratna Puraskar aims to:
- Recognize Excellence: Celebrate athletes for achieving excellence in their respective sports.
- Motivate Future Talent: Encourage young athletes to pursue sports as a career.
- Promote Sports Culture: Highlight the importance of sports in national development and unity.
Eligibility Criteria
- Awarded to individuals for exceptional performance in international sporting events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships, and other global tournaments.
- Athletes from all disciplines recognized by the National Sports Federations are eligible.
- Selection considers performance over the previous four years and overall contributions to sports.
Components of the Award
The Khel Ratna includes:
- Medallion: A bronze medallion with an engraved design.
- Certificate: A citation highlighting the recipient’s achievements.
- Monetary Prize: A cash prize of ₹25 lakhs (as of recent updates).
Selection Process
- Nomination: National Sports Federations, Sports Boards, and State Governments nominate candidates.
- Selection Committee: A committee comprising eminent sportspersons, sports journalists, and officials evaluates the nominations.
- Final Decision: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announces the recipients based on the committee’s recommendations.
Notable Recipients
Some prominent recipients of the Khel Ratna include:
- Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket) – 1997-98
- Viswanathan Anand (Chess) – 1991-92
- Mary Kom (Boxing) – 2009
- PV Sindhu (Badminton) – 2016
- Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw) – 2021
Significance
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna is not just a recognition of sporting excellence but also a testament to the role of sports in shaping India’s identity on the global stage. It inspires athletes to dream big and symbolizes the nation’s commitment to fostering a strong sports culture.
Latest update
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sporting honor, awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognize outstanding achievements by Indian athletes.
In the 2024 edition, four exceptional sportspersons have been selected for this prestigious award:
Gukesh D
A chess prodigy who has made significant strides in international chess, becoming one of the youngest Grandmasters and achieving remarkable success in global tournaments.
Harmanpreet Singh
The captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, known for his exceptional skills as a drag-flicker and his leadership on the field, contributing to India’s successes in major tournaments.
Praveen Kumar
A para-athlete who has excelled in international para-athletics events, showcasing remarkable talent and bringing laurels to the country.
Manu Bhaker
A young shooting sensation who has clinched multiple medals in international shooting championships, demonstrating consistent excellence and precision
