President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi, January 17, 2025 — In a momentous ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious National Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 to distinguished athletes and adventurers from across India. The event celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals in the fields of sports, adventure, and physical excellence, highlighting their perseverance, dedication, and exemplary achievements.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was a proud occasion for the awardees, as their hard work and determination were formally acknowledged on a national platform.
National Sports Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Sports
The National Sports Awards 2024 were conferred on athletes who have shown exceptional talent and have brought laurels to the country in international sporting events. These awards are among the most coveted honors in India, recognizing athletes’ commitment to their respective sports.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor, was presented to Neeraj Chopra, India’s celebrated Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw. Chopra has continued to excel in his sport, cementing his position as one of the country’s most renowned athletes. He was praised for his contribution to Indian sports and his consistent performance at the global level.
- Arjuna Awards were presented to 15 athletes from various sports disciplines, including track and field, boxing, badminton, and wrestling. Among the recipients were Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Bajrang Punia (Wrestling), and Malvika Bansod (Badminton). Each of these athletes was lauded for their stellar performances in international competitions, including World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
- Dronacharya Awards, presented to coaches for their invaluable role in mentoring athletes, were awarded to Vijay Sharma (Javelin Throw) and Bhupender Singh (Boxing). Their efforts in developing and nurturing talent have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s sporting success.
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, named after the legendary mountaineer, was awarded to Arunima Sinha, a former national volleyball player and the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. Her courageous ascent continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly in the context of overcoming adversity and achieving the impossible.
A Celebrated Moment for Adventure Enthusiasts
In addition to the sports awards, the event also recognized remarkable achievements in the field of adventure sports. The National Adventure Award, instituted to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of adventure sports, was presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary skill, bravery, and dedication in activities like mountaineering, paragliding, and trekking.
- Among the recipients of this year’s National Adventure Award was Piyush Agarwal, a pioneer in paragliding and adventure sports in India. His contributions to the development and promotion of adventure tourism have significantly impacted the field.
- Rameshwar Prasad, a mountaineer known for his remarkable expeditions in the Himalayas, also received the award. His feats in scaling some of the most treacherous peaks have earned him admiration not only from his peers but also from adventure enthusiasts worldwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In her address at the event, President Droupadi Murmu lauded the exceptional achievements of the awardees and emphasized the role of sports and adventure in building resilience, discipline, and character. She remarked, “These awards represent the triumph of human spirit, the ability to rise above challenges, and the power of perseverance. Our athletes and adventurers inspire not only through their achievements but through the values they uphold – determination, focus, and teamwork.”
The President also underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for young people to pursue sports and adventure. “As we continue to encourage sports at every level, we must ensure that opportunities for training, exposure, and development are made available to our youth. Our athletes are the pride of the nation, and their success is a testament to the potential within our country.”
Government’s Role in Promoting Sports
Union Minister Anurag Thakur, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sports and adventure activities. “India is undergoing a sports renaissance, with the youth becoming more engaged in athletic pursuits. The National Sports Policy and various initiatives have been instrumental in ensuring the growth of sports infrastructure and support systems for athletes. These awards are a small token of recognition for their immense contribution,” Thakur said.
He also acknowledged the importance of encouraging adventure sports as a way to nurture leadership, teamwork, and courage. “Adventure sports instill qualities that transcend the realm of sports and shape better citizens, contributing to the overall development of our nation,” he added.
Conclusion
The National Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of India’s athletes and adventurers. As the country looks forward to hosting upcoming international sporting events, these awardees are poised to continue making India proud on the global stage. The ceremony, held at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan, was a fitting tribute to those who represent the best of India’s sporting and adventurous spirit.
