WATCH: Manu Bhaker receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from Indian President

Manu Bhaker was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for her achievements in the calendar year 2024. The Indian shooter's performances at the Paris Olympics were recognised by the Indian government. Manu received the award from the Indian President after creating history in Paris by becoming the only Indian to win two individual medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

The Tokyo Olympics did not go as well as Manu Bhaker would have liked, as her pistol malfunction led to her returning home without a single medal. Bhaker had no such issue in Paris, as she claimed two bronze medals in two different events in shooting. Manu finished third in the Women's 10m air Pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol events, respectively.

Watch Manu Bhaker receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award here -

MANU BHAKER, THE SUPERSTAR OF PARIS OLYMPICS...!!!!

- Manu Bhaker has been awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/GAPWYoUfRF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 17, 2025

In the mixed team 10 m air pistol, she won the bronze medal with Sarabjot Singh. In the process, she became the first and only Indian to date to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Despite her achievements, Manu had a block.

Gukesh Dommaraju, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

In the first list of nominations for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Bhaker's name did not even get a nomination. It led to the disappointment of Manu's father, whose painful words forced the board members to include her name in the list of achievers.

Bhaker received the award from the Indian President in New Delhi, where she wore a red saree and a blazer. As her name came out, Manu marched towards the stage and was presented with the medal. Manu wore a bright smile as she was awarded the highest sporting honour in the country. Along with Manu, three other sporting personalities won the honour. 

The Indian Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh was awarded for his incredible performance in the Paris and Tokyo Olympics. Gukesh Dommaraju received the award for his chess Olympiad and World Championship wins. Praveen Kumar won the award for winning silver and gold medals in the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, respectively.