The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has unveiled the list of nominees for the prestigious National Sports Awards for the year 2024. In a significant announcement, Indian men's hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has been nominated for the country's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
Arjuna Award Nominees for 2024
Alongside the Khel Ratna nomination, the Ministry has also announced the names of 24 sportspersons who have been recommended for the Arjuna Award. The list features a diverse array of talent from across the sporting spectrum, recognizing excellence and consistent performance over the previous four years.
The nominees for the Arjuna Awards include prominent athletes such as Shreejesh P R (Hockey), Mohammed Shami (Cricket), Anush Agarwalla (Equestrian), and Bhavesh Parmar (Para Shooting). The selection process was conducted by a committee chaired by the former Supreme Court judge, Justice A. M. Khanwilkar.
Recognition Across Sports Disciplines
The list of 24 Arjuna Award nominees showcases the breadth of Indian sporting achievement. It includes stars from hockey, cricket, badminton, shooting, wrestling, and several para-sports. This year's nominations highlight the government's continued effort to honor outstanding contributions in both able-bodied and para-sports categories.
Other notable athletes recommended for the Arjuna Award are Pooja Hathwala (Wrestling), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Shooting), and Antim Panghal (Wrestling). The committee's recommendations are based on performances from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023.
Focus on Hockey and Hardik Singh's Journey
The nomination of Hardik Singh for the Khel Ratna is a major highlight. As the dynamic vice-captain of the Indian men's hockey team, Singh has been instrumental in the squad's recent successes. His nomination underscores the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage.
The National Sports Awards, which also include the Dronacharya Award for coaches and the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement, are typically conferred by the President of India on the occasion of National Sports Day, August 29. This day marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
The announcement sets the stage for the formal ceremony where the nation's top athletes and coaches will be honored for their dedication, hard work, and success in bringing glory to India.
