India’s sporting stars shined under the spotlight at the Rashtrapati Bhawan as President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Sports Awards in a grand ceremony. Athletes and para-athletes across various disciplines were recognized for their exceptional achievements, with rapturous applause filling the air.
Among the highlights were badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, who received the coveted Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for their stellar 2023. Their breakout year saw them conquer the Asian Games with India’s first-ever badminton gold, claim the Asian Championships title, and clinch the prestigious Indonesia Open Super 1000. With their sights set on Paris, the now world No. 2 pair expressed their hope to bring an Olympic medal back home.
Newly-crowned chess Grandmaster R. Vaishali, elder sister of chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa, also garnered a thunderous welcome. Vaishali’s triumph marked a significant milestone, making her the third Indian woman to achieve the GM title.
Other notable awardees included wrestling phenom Antim Panghal, boxer and world championship bronze medalist Mohammad Hussamuddin, and para archer Sheetal Devi – the first international para archer without upper limbs to achieve such remarkable feats.
The ceremony witnessed the awarding of 26 Arjuna Awards and several coveted Dronacharya Awards for outstanding coaches. The recipients were showered with not only accolades but also cash prizes, with the Khel Ratna fetching Rs 25 lakh and the Arjuna and Dronacharya awards carrying a Rs 15 lakh reward.
