Hardik Singh to Receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2025The Rise of a Fearless Leader in Indian Hockey

---

Chess world champion Divya Deshmukh among 24 athletes recommended for Arjuna Award as cricket finds no place in the list

---

A Landmark Moment for Indian Sports

Indian sports has entered a powerful and inspiring phase as the selection committee has recommended Indian men’s hockey team vice captain Hardik Singh for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2025. This is the highest sporting honour in the country, and remarkably, Hardik Singh is the only athlete whose name has been recommended for this prestigious award this year.

The decision reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage. At a time when India is reclaiming its legacy in the sport, Hardik Singh has emerged as a symbol of consistency, leadership, and relentless determination.

---

Hardik Singh Journey from Promise to Greatness

At just twenty seven years of age, Hardik Singh has already carved out a place among the finest midfielders in world hockey. His journey is a story of discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering focus. From a young age, Hardik showed exceptional game awareness, quick decision making, and the rare ability to control the pace of a match.

As a midfielder, he has been the backbone of the Indian hockey team, seamlessly linking defense and attack. His work rate, vision, and composure under pressure have made him indispensable to the team. Over the years, he has grown not just as a player but also as a leader who inspires confidence in his teammates.

---

Olympic Glory and International Impact

Hardik Singh was an integral part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, ending a long Olympic medal drought for Indian hockey. That historic achievement reignited national pride and restored belief in India’s hockey system.

He followed it up with another exceptional performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where India once again secured a medal. Hardik’s consistency across two Olympic cycles sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. His ability to deliver on the biggest stage under immense pressure has been one of the strongest reasons behind his recommendation for the Khel Ratna Award.

---

Asia Cup Triumph and Leadership Excellence

In the recently held Asia Cup, Hardik Singh played a decisive role in helping India clinch the gold medal. His leadership in the midfield was instrumental as India dominated opponents with structured gameplay and tactical discipline.

Hardik’s calm presence on the field allowed younger players to express themselves freely. His ability to read the game, intercept passes, and initiate counter attacks proved crucial throughout the tournament. The Asia Cup victory further strengthened his claim as one of the finest hockey players of his generation.

---

Selection Committee and the Decision Process

The recommendation was finalized during a crucial meeting of the national selection committee held on Wednesday. The panel consisted of Indian Olympic Association vice president and Olympic medalist Gagan Narang, former international badminton player Aparna Popat, and former Indian hockey player M M Somaya.

The committee conducted an extensive review of athletes performances over the past four years, including major international tournaments, consistency, leadership qualities, and overall contribution to Indian sports. After detailed deliberations, Hardik Singh emerged as the unanimous choice for the Khel Ratna Award.

---

Arjuna Award List Highlights Indian Sporting Diversity

Alongside the Khel Ratna recommendation, the committee also selected twenty four athletes for the prestigious Arjuna Award. These athletes represent a wide range of sports and showcase India’s growing strength beyond traditionally dominant disciplines.

The list includes chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh, gymnast Pranati Nayak, and the top women’s badminton doubles pair of Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. Their inclusion highlights India’s evolving sporting ecosystem and increasing competitiveness across multiple disciplines.

---

Yoga Asana Receives Historic Recognition

For the first time since its official recognition by the sports ministry, a Yoga Asana athlete has been recommended for the Arjuna Award. Aarti Pal, a national and Asian champion, has made history by earning a place in the prestigious list.

Her selection marks a significant milestone for Yoga Asana as a competitive sport. It also reflects India’s effort to promote traditional disciplines on international platforms. Yoga Asana is set to be included as a demonstration sport in the Asian Games 2026, further boosting its global visibility.

---

Divya Deshmukh A New Queen of World Chess

Twenty year old Divya Deshmukh has become one of the brightest stars in Indian chess history. She is the first Indian woman to win the Chess World Cup and also the youngest world champion in the sport.

Her Arjuna Award recommendation is a testament to her extraordinary talent, discipline, and mental strength. Divya’s success has inspired a new generation of young girls to take up chess professionally and dream big on the global stage.

Veteran chess player Vidit Gujrathi has also been recommended for the Arjuna Award, underlining India’s consistent dominance in the chess world.

---

Tejaswin Shankar and Rising Stars in Athletics

Decathlete Tejaswin Shankar continues to redefine Indian athletics with his all round excellence. He won a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023 and followed it up with another second place finish at the Asian Championships.

His selection for the Arjuna Award recognizes his contribution to elevating India’s status in multi event athletics. Alongside him, athletes from shooting, gymnastics, and badminton have earned recognition for their sustained international performances.

---

Cricket Missing from the List

One of the most discussed aspects of this year’s sports awards list is the absence of any cricketer. While cricket remains the most popular sport in the country, the selection committee chose to focus on athletes from other disciplines this year.

The last cricketer to receive a major national sports award was Mohammed Shami in 2023. The current list reflects a conscious effort to ensure balanced recognition across sports, rewarding excellence wherever it exists.

---

Final Decision Lies with the Government

Although the selection committee has recommended the names, the final approval rests with the government and the sports ministry. The ministry has the authority to add or remove names if deemed necessary.

However, traditionally, the recommendations of the committee are largely accepted. Given the overwhelming support for Hardik Singh and the selected athletes, it is widely expected that the list will be approved without major changes.

---

Significance of Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honour in India. It includes a medal, a citation, and a cash prize of twenty five lakh rupees. The Arjuna Award carries a cash prize of fifteen lakh rupees along with a medal and citation.

Beyond financial rewards, these honours represent national recognition, lifelong respect, and a legacy that inspires generations.

---

A New Era for Indian Sports

Hardik Singh receiving the Khel Ratna and the diverse list of Arjuna Award recipients signal a transformative era in Indian sports. Hockey, chess, athletics, shooting, yoga, gymnastics, and badminton are all contributing to India’s growing reputation as a multi sport powerhouse.

This recognition reinforces the belief that dedication, perseverance, and excellence will always be rewarded. Hardik Singh and his fellow awardees stand as powerful role models, proving that Indian athletes are ready to compete, lead, and succeed on the world stage.