Indian Hockey Star Jarmanpreet Singh Celebrates Arjuna Award Win
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Synopsis
Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender for the Indian men's hockey team, celebrated receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu. He expressed his happiness and dedication to inspiring younger players in the sport after contributing to India's bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics.
Key Takeaways
- Jarmanpreet Singh received the Arjuna Award.
- He played a key role in India's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
- Harmanpreet Singh received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
- 31 athletes were honored in the ceremony.
- The awards aim to inspire future generations in sports.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The defender for the Indian men's hockey team, Jarmanpreet Singh, shared his joy after receiving the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, stating, "Nothing comes closer to this feeling". Jarmanpreet played a crucial role in securing the Indian team’s second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics last year, where they triumphed over Spain with a score of 2-1, coming back from a goal down.
The captain of the Indian hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, also received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award alongside fellow medallists from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics - Manu Bhaker (shooting), Praveen Kumar (para-athlete), and World Chess Champion Gukesh D. during the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Jarmanpreet expressed that this honor would motivate young athletes to pursue hockey and dedicated his award to his family and supporters. "I'm feeling very good because this is the highest award for a sportsperson and nothing comes closer to this feeling. I’m overjoyed that people are showing so much affection for hockey, and the government is also backing us. These accolades will inspire the younger generation to take up hockey. I dedicate this award to my family and everyone who stood by me during tough and good times," Jarmanpreet stated to IANS.
In addition to Jarmanpreet, 31 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, were honored with the Arjuna Award. Among them was Swapnil Kusale, a bronze medallist in rifle shooting at the Paris Olympics, who made history as the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position (3P) Men’s event.
It was a double celebration for Kusale, who shared the event with his coach, Deepali Deshpande, a former shooter who received the esteemed Dronacharya Award. "It’s a special day for me and my coach Deepali Deshpande, who received the Dronacharya Award today. I’m thrilled that both the athlete and coach could share this memorable moment together. I’m truly grateful to God," Kusale expressed to IANS.
Para-shuttler Thulasimathi Murugesan, who earned a silver medal in the Women’s Singles SU5 at the Paris Paralympics, also expressed her joy about sharing the podium with other sports legends. "It feels so happy and this is a very emotional moment for me receiving this Arjuna Award today. I’m extremely delighted because I have witnessed many legendary athletes receiving this award since my childhood. Achieving this honor today is a very joyous moment for me," said Murugesan.
