On January 17, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to distinguished athletes: D. Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. D. Gukesh achieved a historic milestone earlier this month in December 2025 by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final and decisive 14th game of the FIDE World Championship held in Singapore. Manu Bhaker etched her name in history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing two bronze medals, cementing her position as one of India’s finest athletes.The other two honorees included men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar. Harmanpreet contributed to India’s success by helping the national team clinch bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, who was born with a shorter left leg, upgraded his silver medal from the Tokyo Games to a gold at last year’s Paris Paralympics. Additionally, 32 athletes were recognized with the Arjuna Award during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.