Arjuna Award News

Cinema's influence shines as Shri Murlikant Petkar receives the Arjuna Award, following Kartik Aaryan’s powerful portrayal in Chandu Champion.  

Jaipur girl Divyakriti Singh makes history as the first Indian woman to receive Arjuna Award in Equestrian

In the heartlands of Rajasthan, amidst the regal aura of Jaipur, emerges a name that etches itself into the annals of Indian sports history—Divyakriti Singh. Breaking barriers and galloping towards glory, this 23-year-old equestrian dynamo has not only clinched a historic Arjuna Award but has also secured her place as the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in the realm of Equestrian. Join us on a journey through Divyakriti's remarkable story, where passion, perseverance, and familial support converge to create an inspiring narrative of triumph over challenges in the pursuit of excellence.

The Arjuna Award, a prestigious recognition in Indian sports, has eluded some of the cricketing greats despite their extraordinary contributions. Let's delve into the careers of four legendary cricketers who, surprisingly, never received this national honour.

MS Dhoni received Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, in 2007.

Shami emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, securing an impressive 24 wickets from just 7 matches.

Hari Chand was also conferred with Arjuna Award Hari was on the top step of the podium in both 5000m and 10,000m events

Shikhar Dhawan was conferred with the Arjuna Award by President Ram Nath Kovind in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the sport, on Saturday.

BAI also nominated HS Prannoy, Pranav Jerry Chopra and Sameer Verma for the Arjuna honour.

Emphasizing on the importance of the ongoing Fit India Freedom Run, Madhurika said that the movement is a great step towards making our country fitter. Madhurika was among 27 sportspersons who were honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Awards in 2020 at the virtual National Sports Awards ceremony last month. The 33-year-old was also part of the Indian trio who defeated Singapore at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 to clinch the gold medal for the country.

Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta on Monday announced her engagement with Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal on the occasion of her 37th birthday. Jwala Gutta was awarded with Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting award for her achievements, in 2011. Gutta was earlier married to fellow badminton star Chetan Anand before they got divorce in 2011, while Vishnu was married to Rajini Natraj before their marriage ended in 2018.

Ishant was among 27 sportspersons who were conferred with this year's Arjuna Award, which is given to recognize outstanding achievement in sports. A total of 74 sportspersons were chosen for the national awards, including five for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Ishant is set to represent Delhi Capitals in the 2020 edition of the IPL, which is slated to take place from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE.

Indian para-swimmer Suyash Narayan Jadhav, who was conferred with Arjuna Award on Saturday, said it is actually his father`s dream that is being fulfilled. Jadhav was the 2018 Asian Para Games Gold medalist in the 50m Butterfly S7 category. Para-swimmer Suyash Jadhav, Rower Dattu Baban Bhokanal, and shooter Manu Bhaker are among the 27 athletes, who were conferred with Arjuna Award.

Indian women`s hockey team coach, Sjoerd Marijne, is happy that two players from the team are being recognized with National Awards this year. Rani Rampal becomes the first Indian Women`s Hockey player to be honored with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, country`s highest award for a sports person. Former Indian defender Deepika will receive the Arjuna Award this year.

Deepti received her maiden cap for India during a One-Day International (ODI) match against South Africa Women in November 2014.

Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik expressed her displeasure at missing out on the Arjuna award this year. Sakshi is the only woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal for the country, a feat she achieved at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Ministry decided against awarding the Arjuna Award to Sakshi as she has already been conferred with the Khel Ratna award.

The awardees will receive their awards from President Ram Nath Kovind at a specially organized function through virtual mode on August 29, 2020. Besides Deepti and Ishant, a total of 25 other sportspersons have been chosen for the Arjuna Award. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, Manika Batra, Vinesh Phogat, Rani Rampal, Mariappan Thangavelu will also be honoured with the prestigious Khel Ratna award.

Besides Rohit, only three more Indian cricketers namely Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been honoured with Khel Ratna. Rohit became the first cricketer ever to notch up five centuries in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI World Cup in 2019.

Grappler Sakshi Malik believes that winning the Arjuna Award is a matter of pride The wrestler already has Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri as a part of her accolades Malik is the only Indian woman wrestler who has managed to win a medal in the Olympics- a bronze medal in 2016 Rio Olympics (58 kg)