Indian hockey player Hardik Singh is set to receive the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. The government has also recommended 24 sportspersons for the Arjuna Award, including Chess World Champion Divya Deshmukh. Interestingly, this year’s list does not include any cricketer, highlighting strong performances in other sports.
Hardik Singh’s Achievement
Hardik Singh has been one of the key players of the Indian men’s hockey team in recent years. Known for his speed, vision, and midfield control, he played an important role in India’s success at major international tournaments. His consistent performances, leadership skills, and contribution to team victories have earned him the Khel Ratna Award.
Hardik was a vital part of India’s medal-winning campaigns and helped the team perform strongly against top hockey nations. His dedication and hard work have inspired young hockey players across the country.
Arjuna Award Recommendations
The sports ministry has recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award this year. Among them is Divya Deshmukh, who recently became a Chess World Champion. Her achievement has brought great pride to India and highlighted the growth of chess in the country.
The list includes players from different sports such as athletics, wrestling, shooting, badminton, and chess. The absence of cricketers shows that awards are being given based on performance and achievement rather than popularity.
No Cricketers in the List
For the first time in several years, no cricketer has been recommended for either the Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award. Experts believe this reflects the excellent performances by athletes from non-cricket sports on the international stage.
Recognition of Indian Sports Talent
These awards recognize not only medals but also discipline, consistency, and contribution to Indian sports. They encourage athletes to continue performing at the highest level and motivate young players to pursue sports professionally.
Conclusion
The recommendation of Hardik Singh for the Khel Ratna and the selection of 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award marks an important moment for Indian sports. It shows that talent across all sports is being recognized fairly and that India’s sporting future looks bright.
