Aoba Tanaka 
In a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan on January 9, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Sports Awards on India’s top-performing athletes. The ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of sports icons, with shuttlers Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy receiving the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for their remarkable performances in 2023.
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy made history in badminton by securing India’s maiden Asian Games gold. Their stellar year also included victories in the Asian Championships and the Indonesia Open Super 1000 title. The duo’s achievements were recognized with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the highest sporting honor in the country.
Cricketer Mohammed Shami was honored with the Arjuna Award for his exemplary contributions to cricket. Shami expressed his pride on social media, stating, “Today I am feeling very proud that I have been honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President.” He extended gratitude to his coach, the BCCI, teammates, family, and fans for their unwavering support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all the winners, highlighting their remarkable achievements and dedication as an inspiration to the nation. The National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023 recognized individuals who not only excelled in their respective fields but also elevated India’s reputation on the global stage.
The Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Dronacharya awards carry significant cash prizes, with the Khel Ratna awarding ₹25 lakh and the Arjuna and Dronacharya awards offering ₹15 lakh each. The recognition of India’s sporting talent serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in the field of sports.
