The National Sports Awards 2024 have once again brought India’s finest athletes into the spotlight, recognising their incredible contributions to the world of sports. Instituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, these awards honour athletes, coaches, and institutions that have made outstanding achievements or contributions to sports.
This year’s list is filled with inspiring stories of triumph, perseverance, and excellence across various disciplines, ranging from shooting and hockey to para-sports and chess. Here is a detailed look at the winners and their accomplishments.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 Winners
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour, was awarded to four exceptional sportspersons whose performances at the global stage brought immense pride to the nation:
Manu Bhaker – Shooting
At just 22, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting by clinching a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She also made history by partnering with Sarabjot Singh to secure bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, making her the first athlete from independent India to win two Olympic medals in a single edition.
Harmanpreet Singh – Hockey
Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, led the team to their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics. As one of the world’s finest drag-flickers, he was instrumental in India’s success at Paris 2024, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals.
Praveen Kumar – Para-Athletics
Para-athlete Praveen Kumar soared to glory at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, winning gold in the men’s high jump T64 class with an Asian record of 2.08m. This marked his second Paralympic medal, following his silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Gukesh D – Chess
India’s chess prodigy, Gukesh D, became the youngest world chess champion.
Arjuna Award 2024 Winners
The Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honour, recognised a diverse group of athletes across multiple disciplines. Among the noteworthy winners are:
- Aman Sehrawat – Wrestling: The youngest Olympic medallist from India, Aman secured bronze in the men’s freestyle 57kg wrestling event at Paris 2024.
- Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh – Shooting: Both medallists at the Paris Olympics, their precision and poise brought accolades to the country.
- Salima Tete – Hockey: The captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, Salima Tete, continues to be a beacon of inspiration for aspiring hockey players.
Para-Athletics Dominance
India’s para-athletes shone brightly this year, with several being conferred the Arjuna Award for their achievements. Notable winners include:
- Preeti Pal: Continuing her stellar performance at the Paralympics, she added another medal to her illustrious career.
- Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Dharambir, and Pranav Soorma: These athletes made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, collectively contributing to India’s impressive medal tally.
Dronacharya Award 2024 Winners
The Dronacharya Award, which honours exceptional coaching, was awarded to several distinguished coaches:
- Regular Category: Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting), Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), and Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey) were recognised for their role in shaping athletes into champions.
- Lifetime Category: Esteemed coaches like S Muralidharan (Badminton) and Armando Colaco (Football) received the award for their lifelong dedication to nurturing talent.
Institutional Awards
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar was awarded to the Physical Education Foundation of India for their efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level.
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy for overall university sports performance went to Chandigarh University, with Lovely Professional University and Guru Nanak Dev University securing the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
A Legacy of Excellence
The National Sports Awards 2024 underscore the diverse talent and determination of Indian athletes and coaches. From Manu Bhaker’s trailblazing achievements in shooting to Harmanpreet Singh’s mastery in Hockey, these accolades inspire a new generation to strive for excellence in sports.
As the awardees prepare to receive their honours from the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, the entire nation celebrates their triumphs. These athletes are not just medal winners; they are icons of hope, perseverance, and inspiration.
With their achievements, they continue to build on India’s legacy in the global sporting arena, ensuring the tricolour soars high for years to come.
The Momma Clan 
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