Manika Batra honoured to receive Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award

At the age of 25 Manika Batra has become a table tennis sensation. She is the highest-ranked female player in the country. Also one of the three women to receive the award this year. Manika rose to fame happened with her women’s single gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

Many feel that winning the Khel Ratna is a double-edged sword, increasing the pressure on a sportsperson. In order to always maintain an extremely high standard. The paddler says she is fully prepared for the increased expectation. 

Manika Batra thankful on winning Khel Ratna 

The CWG gold winner thanked each and every person who has constantly supported her in this journey. She also felt obliged to win India’s highest sporting honour. In a statement, Manika said, “It’s an honour for me to be named as one of the recipients of this year’s prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. 

“First of all I would like to thank God, the sports ministry, the Sports Authority of India, Indian Oil Corporation, my sponsors, IOS, Table Tennis Federation of India, India khelega – My Training centre in Pune.” 

Other recipients of Khel Ratna

Apart from Batra, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has gone to 5 sporting superstars. This includes Paralympic gold medallist Mariappan T, wrestling star Vinesh Phogat, India’s women’s team captain Rani Rampal and lastly Indian opener Rohit Sharma.

Apart from 2016, more than 4 sportspersons are never awarded with the Khel Ratna in one instance. Athletes would be attending the virtual ceremony from their homes and training centres. President Ram Nath Kovind would be announcing the winners inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29.

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