May 1, 2025: Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were presented the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour, by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Delhi. The duo, who achieved World No. 1 ranking in 2023 and won Asian Games gold in Hangzhou, were initially shortlisted last year but missed the ceremony due to tournament commitments.
Minister Mandaviya praised them for elevating India’s global sporting status, while both players acknowledged the Government of India’s support through initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS, which helped them rise from financial struggles to international success.
The pair began their 2025 season with podium finishes at the Malaysia Open and India Open, but minor injuries have slowed their progress. They aim to return strong at the upcoming Singapore Open (May 27 – June 1) and Indonesia Open (June 3-8).