Harmanpreet Singh Calls Khel Ratna Award an Unforgettable Moment

Synopsis

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India's men's hockey team, described receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu as an unforgettable moment. He dedicated the award to his team, fans, and family, celebrating Indian hockey's achievements.

Key Takeaways

Harmanpreet Singh received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
He celebrated the honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The award is named after legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Singh led India to consecutive Olympic bronze medals.
31 athletes were honored with the Arjuna Award.

New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The captain of India's men's hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, described receiving the esteemed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the Honourable President of India Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday as an unforgettable moment.

Harmanpreet, who guided the Indian men's team to secure a second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics in Paris last year, expressed that receiving this award was a dream come true as it honors the most celebrated hockey player, the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, who triumphed in three consecutive Olympic Games from 1928 to 1936.

He stated, "An unforgettable moment at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, receiving the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the Honourable President of India. To be awarded with a title named after the greatest hockey legend is a dream come true," in a message on X, previously known as Twitter.

"This one is for the team, the fans, my family, and Indian hockey!" he added.

The 29-year-old athlete received the country’s highest sporting honor alongside shooter Manu Bhaker, para-athlete and Paralympic Games gold medalist Praveen Kumar, and World Chess Champion Dommaraju Gukesh.

Harmanpreet Singh was integral to the Indian team that ended a four-decade medal drought at the Olympics, earning a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He subsequently led the team to another bronze medal in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, marking India's success in consecutive Olympic events for the first time since 1972 in Munich. India triumphed over Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal clash in Paris, staging a comeback after falling behind.

His teammate and fellow defender Jarmanpreet Singh was honored with the Arjuna Award.

In total, 31 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, received the Arjuna Award, with Swapnil Kusale, a bronze medalist in the Paris Olympics for rifle shooting, being notable among them. He made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position (3P) men's event at the Olympics.