Hardik Singh nominated for Khel Ratna alongside 24 Arjuna picks
Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has emerged as the standout name in this year's sporting honours. The dynamic midfielder is the solitary nominee recommended for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting accolade.
Selection Committee Highlights
On Wednesday, the selection committee met to finalize the National Sports Awards recommendations. The panel, which included sporting icons like IOA Vice President Gagan Narang, former shuttler Aparna Popat, and hockey legend M M Somaya, reviewed various performances before locking in the names. While Hardik took the top spot, 24 other athletes were recommended for the Arjuna Award.
Hardik, aged 27, has been a pillar of the Indian midfield. His contributions were vital in India’s back-to-back Olympic achievements—the bronze in Tokyo 2021 and the historic campaign in Paris 2024. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the squad that clinched gold at the Asia Cup earlier this year.
Rising Stars and Historical Firsts
Among the Arjuna Award nominees, teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh grabbed headlines. At just 19, she became the first Indian woman to win the World Cup, cementing her place as a future grandmaster of the game. Joining her is fellow chess prodigy Vidit Gujrathi.
Athletics also saw strong representation. Tejaswin Shankar, who made history with a silver medal in the decathlon at the 2023 Asian Games, has been recommended for the Arjuna.
In a landmark move for indigenous sports, Aarti Pal has been nominated for the Arjuna Award for Yogasan. This marks the first time a Yogasan athlete has been included since the discipline was formally recognized by the Sports Ministry five years ago. Aarti is currently the reigning Asian and national champion.
Other Notable Nominees
The list showcases talent across various disciplines. Rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh and gymnast Pranati Nayak have made the cut. In badminton, the country’s top women’s doubles pair, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, have been recommended. Gayatri carries a rich sporting legacy as the daughter of national coach Pullela Gopichand.
Hockey continues to have a strong presence beyond Hardik, with Rajkumar Pal and Lalremsiami featuring in the Arjuna list. However, cricket fans may be disappointed as no cricketers feature in this year's recommendations.
Honours and Prize Money
Recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna receive a medallion, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. Meanwhile, Arjuna awardees are honoured with Rs 15 lakh each.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna: Hardik Singh (Hockey)
Arjuna Awards: Tejaswin Shankar (Athletics), Priyanka (Athletics), Narender (Boxing), Vidit Gujrathi (Chess), Divya Deshmukh (Chess), Dhanush Srikanth (Deaf Shooting), Pranati Nayak (Gymnastics), Rajkumar Pal (Hockey), Surjeet (Kabaddi), Nirmala Bhati (Kho Kho), Rudransh Khandelwal (Para-Shooting), Ekta Bhyan (Para-athletics), Padmanabh Singh (Polo), Arvind Singh (Rowing), Akhil Sheoran (Shooting), Mehuli Ghosh (Shooting), Sutirtha Mukherjee (Table Tennis), Sonam Malik (Wrestling), Aarti (Yoga), Treesa Jolly (Badminton), Gayatri Gopichand (Badminton), Lalremsiami (Hockey), Mohammed Afsal (Athletics), Pooja (Kabaddi).
