In a resounding celebration of athletic achievement, the Sports Ministry on 20 December in a Press Release, officially confirmed the recipients of the prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards for the year 2023. Badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been honored with the Khel Ratna, while 26 exceptional sports personalities, including cricketer Mohammed Shamhttps://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1737412221775564876i, will receive the Arjuna Award. The awards ceremony is set to take place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the accolades.
Khel Ratna Awardees:
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, Asian Games gold medallists, World Championships bronze winners, and Commonwealth Games silver medallists, stand tall as deserving recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2023. Their remarkable achievements have not only brought glory to Indian badminton but have also inspired a generation of aspiring athletes.
Chirag and Satwik’s journey to the Khel Ratna is marked by their consistent excellence on the international stage, reflecting the hard work and dedication that underlie their success. Their triumphs at the Asian Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games have undoubtedly made them icons in the Indian sporting landscape.
Arjuna Awardees:
The list of Arjuna awardees for 2023 includes a diverse array of athletes who have excelled in their respective sports. Among them is the prolific cricketer Mohammed Shami, who played a pivotal role in India’s impressive run in the ODI World Cup. Shami’s exceptional performance as the leading wicket-taker, securing 24 wickets in seven outings, showcased his skill and determination on the global cricketing stage.
The other Arjuna awardees span various disciplines, demonstrating the rich tapestry of Indian sports. From hockey players Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sushila Chanu to archers Ojas Pravin Deotale and Aditi Gopichand Swami, each athlete has contributed significantly to their sport’s growth and success. The recognition of their efforts with the Arjuna Award is a testament to their dedication and achievements.
Dronacharya Awards:
Acknowledging the crucial role of coaches in an athlete’s journey, the Sports Ministry has also approved Dronacharya Awards for outstanding coaches. In the regular category, coaches like Lalit Kumar (wrestling), RB Ramesh (chess), Mahaveer Prasad Saini (para athletics), Shivendra Singh (hockey), and Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar (mallakhamb) have been recognized for their exemplary contribution to the development of athletes.
In the life-time category, the Dronacharya Awards will be conferred upon Jaskirat Singh Grewal (golf), Bhaskaran E (kabaddi), and Jayanta Kumar Pushilal (table tennis). These coaches have devoted a significant part of their lives to nurturing and guiding athletes, shaping them into champions.
Dhyan Chand Award:
The Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement will be presented to individuals who have made an indelible mark in their respective sports. This year, the recipients include Manjusha Kanwar (badminton), Vineet Kumar Sharma (hockey), and Kavitha Selvaraj (kabaddi). Their enduring contributions have not only elevated the status of their sports but have also left an inspiring legacy for future generations.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy:
Recognizing the importance of sports at the university level, the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2023 will be awarded to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The university’s commitment to excellence in sports has been duly acknowledged, making it the overall winner. Lovely Professional University, Punjab, and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, have secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, in this esteemed competition.
A Moment of Pride and Joy
The announcement of the Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards for 2023 is a moment of pride and joy for the Indian sports fraternity. The recognition of outstanding athletes, coaches, and universities underscores the importance of fostering a culture of sports excellence in the country. As the awardees prepare to receive their honors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the nation eagerly awaits a night of celebration and inspiration, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of sporting excellence.
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