On January 9, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu honored 26 outstanding sports persons with the prestigious Arjuna Award. Athletes who showcased exceptional performances at the Asian Games 2023 dominate this distinguished list, marking a historic achievement for India with over 100 medals in a single edition of the event.
The accolade also recognized Mohammed Shami, the leading wicket-taker in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where India reached the final but fell short against Australia in a hard-fought match. A notable inclusion in the list is Sheetal Devi, the world’s first armless woman archer, who secured three medals in the Para Games held in Hangzhou.
Contributors to India’s success in shooting, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Esha Singh, were among the awardees, having played pivotal roles in securing 22 medals for the nation. Naorem Roshibina Devi, who clinched the silver medal in Hangzhou, also earned her place in this esteemed lineup.
Adding to the diversity of sports, Ayhika Mukherjee, who won the bronze medal in women’s doubles alongside Sutirtha Mukherjee, received the Arjuna Award. R Vaishali, sibling to the talented 18-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, was another notable recipient on this illustrious occasion.
The Arjuna Awards 2023 not only acknowledge exceptional achievements but also celebrate the dedication and hard work of these athletes who have brought pride to the nation in various sporting arenas.
Full List of Arjuna Award Winners 2023
Athletes | Discipline |
Ms Aditi Gopichand Swami | Archery |
Shri Ojas Pravin Deotale | Archery |
Shri Sreeshankar Murali | Athletics |
Ms Parul Chaudhary | Athletics |
Shri Mohameed Hussamuddin | Boxing |
Ms R Vaishali | Chess |
Shri Mohammed Shami | Cricket |
Shri Anush Agarwalla | Equestrian |
Ms Divyakriti Singh | Equestrian Dressage |
Ms Diksha Dagar | Golf |
Shri Krishan Bahadur Pathak | Hockey |
Ms Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu | Hockey |
Shri Pawan Kumar | Kabaddi |
Ms Ritu Negi | Kabaddi |
Ms Nasreen | Kho-Kho |
Ms Pinki | Lawn Bowls |
Shri Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar | Shooting |
Ms Esha Singh | Shooting |
Shri Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu | squash |
Ms Ayhika Mukherjee | Table Tennis |
Shri Sunil Kumar | Wrestling |
Ms Antim Panghal | Wrestling |
Ms Naorem Roshibina Devi | Wushu |
Ms Sheetal Devi | Para Archery |
Shri Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy | Blind Cricket |
Ms Prachi Yadav | Para Canoeing |