New Delhi. There is no limit to the happiness of the country’s great players who received the National Sports Award from President Draupadi Murmu and Chess World Champion D Gukesh and two Olympic medal winning shooter Manu Bhaker promised to keep working hard to reach greater heights. Apart from Gukesh and Bhakar, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar were awarded the country’s highest sports honour, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
After receiving the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Gukesh told the media, “I am very happy to receive this prestigious honour.” This is really special because I am the second chess player to receive the Khel Ratna after Vishy Anand sir.” He said, ”This is a dream come true moment. However, for me this is not the end of the journey. I want to achieve more achievements for the country.” Harmanpreet, captain of the Indian hockey team, which won the second consecutive bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, said, ”Khelratna is the biggest honor of my life. This is a big achievement for me. I am very happy. This is the biggest moment of my life that I am getting such a big award and recognition.
Bhakar, who won bronze in the 10 meter air pistol and mixed team categories at the Paris Olympics, said, “Khel Ratna is one of the most prestigious awards in the country and I am thankful to those who supported me in this journey.” Said, “Many people were with me not only in this award but also in my career. Even in defeat. I thank all of them.” Paris Olympics bronze medal winning men’s hockey team members Jarmanpreet Singh, Abhishek and Sanjay expressed happiness on receiving the Arjuna Award.
Jarmanpreet said, “I am thankful to the government for choosing me for the Arjuna Award.” This is the greatest moment of my life after the Paris Olympics medal. Hopefully, we will continue to hoist the country’s flag in the future as well.” Abhishek said, ”Any award gives an opportunity to any player to be happy and also becomes an inspiration. Every player wants to receive the Arjuna Award from the President. I am proud and I will continue to work hard in future also.” Sanjay said, ”I am very happy that the hard work has paid off. I can now proudly say that I am an Olympic medalist and Arjuna Awardee.
