For the first time in the history of the National Sports Awards, President Ram Nath Kovind virtually conferred the National Sports Awards.
1. Manika Batra
Manika Batra is arguably the Indian athlete who has gained the honor in the shortest amount of time; it acknowledges the fact that she led India to women’s team gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast before winning gold in women’s singles. “The award has come as a real shot in the arm for me as well as the game of table tennis. I feel humbled when the government recognizes and appreciates your efforts and achievements. This is a big source of motivation. The expectation of people will add to my responsibility. I will strive harder to bring more laurels to the country.” -Manika Batra.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s Khel Ratna Award comes after a stellar year with the bat, including 556 runs at 92.66 in five Test matches while starting the batting for the first time, and 1490 ODI runs at 57.30, including an unprecedented five hundred in a single World Cup.
3. Vinesh Phogat
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was chosen by the Union Sports Ministry for the Khel Ratna award, the country’s highest sporting honor. Vinesh has won medals for the country in a variety of sports. She’s also been nominated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Vinesh has already won gold medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games.
4. Rani Rampal
Rani, the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, said on Friday that obtaining the Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honor, will inspire her to win more laurels. The 26-year-old has also led the Indian team to the final of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where they were defeated 1-2 by Japan.
5. Mariyappan Thangavelu
Gold medalist at the Paralympics Mariyappan Thangavelu was named to the top five nominees for this year’s Khel Ratna award, the country’s highest sporting honor. Mariyappan Thangavelu was greeted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami. He also mentioned the athlete’s humble beginnings and how he rose to great heights at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, when he won gold in the high jump.
