Manu Bhaker to receive Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna after week-long confusion over nomination, Gukesh among four recipients

India's twin-Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and chess prodigy D Gukesh have been named among the four recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, as confirmed by the sports ministry, according to PTI on Thursday. The announcement comes after a week of controversy, when it was revealed that Bhaker's nomination may have initially been overlooked.

Paris Games double medallist Manu Bhaker. (EPA-EFE)(HT_PRINT)

The shooter later acknowledged a possible ‘lapse’ on her part while submitting the nomination. "I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part, while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this matter," she had said earlier.

India's men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar are the other two recipients of this year’s Khel Ratna Award, which is the country's highest sporting honour.