The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) unveiled the list of recipients for the prestigious National Sports Awards for the year 2024, marking a significant moment in Indian sports. In a notable development, the selection committee decided not to confer the country's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, upon any athlete this year. Instead, the spotlight falls on 24 distinguished sportspersons who have been chosen for the Arjuna Award and the Dhyan Chand Award for their outstanding contributions.
Awards Distribution and Selection Process
The awards committee, led by the respected former Supreme Court judge, Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, meticulously reviewed a total of 77 applications received for the various categories. After a rigorous evaluation process, the committee recommended awards for 25 individuals. The breakdown includes 15 Arjuna Awards for exceptional performance in sports and games, and 9 Dhyan Chand Awards for lifetime achievement. Additionally, one award was recommended for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.
The selection process involved a thorough examination of the athletes' achievements over the previous four years, from 2021 to 2024. The committee placed significant weight on performances at major international events, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Medals won at these prestigious competitions were a primary criterion for the Arjuna Award recommendations.
Prominent Arjuna Award Winners for 2024
The list of 15 Arjuna Awardees features a diverse mix of athletes from both individual and team sports, highlighting the breadth of talent in the country. Among the notable winners are:
- Mohammed Shami: The veteran pace bowler, a key figure in India's recent cricket successes, including the 2023 ODI World Cup.
- P. R. Sreejesh: The legendary goalkeeper of the Indian men's hockey team, renowned for his crucial saves in major tournaments.
- Diksha Dagar: The talented golfer who has consistently performed on the international stage, including winning a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
- Kishore Kumar Jena: The rising star in athletics, known for his impressive performances in javelin throw.
- Pooja: The accomplished wrestler who has brought laurels to the nation in various competitions.
Other distinguished recipients include Sarabjot Singh (Shooting), Anush Agarwalla (Equestrian), Bhagwan Singh (Rowing), Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu (Hockey), Mohammed Hussamuddin (Boxing), Ankita Bhakat (Archery), Vishal Gupta (Weightlifting), R. Vaishali (Chess), and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu (Squash).
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement
The Dhyan Chand Award, honouring lifetime contributions to sports, will be bestowed upon nine individuals. The recipients are Gurmail Singh (Hockey), K. P. Thakkar (Sailing), Gurucharan Singh (Athletics), K. K. Hooda (Kabaddi), Jai Prakash (Wrestling), Manjula Kumara (Para Sports-Athletics), Shashikant Bhalekar (Mallakhamb), Roop Singh (Hockey), and Satendra Singh (Para Sports-Swimming).
In the institutional category, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has been recommended for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the year 2023-24, recognizing its excellence in sports promotion and infrastructure.
Absence of Khel Ratna and Future Implications
The decision to not award the Khel Ratna for 2024 has sparked discussions within the sporting community. This marks a rare instance where the top honour has been withheld, suggesting the selection committee maintained exceptionally high standards for the award this cycle. The Khel Ratna, which carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, is traditionally reserved for the most spectacular and consistent performances on the world stage over a period of four years.
The Arjuna Awardees will each receive a statuette, a certificate, and a monetary award of Rs 15 lakh. The Dhyan Chand Award winners will be honoured with a statuette, certificate, and Rs 10 lakh. The award ceremony is expected to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on a date to be announced, where the President of India will confer the honours.
This year's list reflects a continued emphasis on rewarding both current excellence and lifelong dedication to sport. While the absence of a Khel Ratna winner is a talking point, it underscores the rigorous and merit-based nature of the selection process, aiming to uphold the prestige of India's highest sporting accolades.
