The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the nation with her presence as she presented the prestigious Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 during a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 17, 2025). The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of India’s sports and adventure community, recognizing their relentless dedication, skill, and passion that continue to inspire the nation.
The Awards, a hallmark of excellence in their respective categories, included:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards-2024: India’s highest sporting honor, awarded to athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance at the international level.
- Dronacharya Awards-2024: Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of coaches who have nurtured and guided athletes to achieve greatness.
- Arjuna Awards-2024: Celebrating the consistent outstanding performance of athletes across a variety of sports disciplines.
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards-2023: Recognizing the exceptional contributions of individuals in the field of adventure sports and activities, inspiring a spirit of exploration and resilience.
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar-2024: Honoring institutions and individuals who have played a significant role in promoting and developing sports across the country.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy-2024: Awarded to the best-performing university in the inter-university tournaments, fostering a culture of sports and competition in higher education.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Murmu lauded the awardees for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their role in elevating India’s stature in the global sports arena. She emphasized the transformative power of sports and adventure in fostering discipline, teamwork, and a sense of national pride.
The function was attended by prominent figures from the world of sports, politics, and governance, making it a momentous occasion that highlighted the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. As India continues to make strides in the global sports landscape, the Awards serve as a beacon of motivation for aspiring athletes and adventurers to pursue their dreams with zeal and determination.
The President’s heartfelt congratulations and words of encouragement to the awardees underscored the government’s commitment to supporting sports and adventure activities as integral components of national development. The ceremony concluded with a renewed call to strengthen grassroots initiatives and infrastructure to ensure that the future of Indian sports and adventure continues to shine brightly on the world stage.
