The time has come for various national sports
federations (NSFs) to nominate sportspersons of various disciplines for the Arjuna, Khel Ratna and Dronacharya awards. Here are some of the top contenders.
Sardar Singh
(Hockey, HI, for Khel Ratna)
In a stellar career lasting over more than a decade, Sardar has already won the Arjuna and Padma Shri. In 2008 when he was made the captain of the Indian team, he became the youngest to don that mantle. The only Indian to have made it to the FIH All Stars-XI, when he was chosen in 2010 and 2011.
Oinam Bembem Devi
(Football, AIFF, for Arjuna)
One of the biggest names in Indian women’s football, the 36-year-old Bembem hung up her boots after the South Asian Games in Shillong last year.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
(Football, AIFF, for Arjuna)
Became the first Indian male footballer to play in a top-flight European club when he represented Norwegian club Stabaek last season. He played some impressive games before injury ruled him out.
Jeje Lalpekhlua
(Football, AIFF, for Arjuna)
The diminutive Manipuri striker represented India and scored some crucial goals last season. He also played an influential role in Mohun Bagan’s I-League campaign where the team finished second
SV Sunil
(Hockey HI, for Arjuna)
Chosen as the ‘Best Asian Player’ in 2016, the Karnataka forward had a stellar 2016. He was also a part of the team which won a silver medal in the Champions Trophy.
Deepika
(Hockey, HI, for Arjuna)
Deepika was a part of the Indian women’s team who returned to the Olympic fold after a gap of 36 years. She has also represented the country in the Commonwealth Games as well as the World Cup. She was instrumental in India’s maiden win at the IVth Women’s Asian Champions Trophy last year.
Dharamvir Singh
(Hockey, HI, for Arjuna)
Has been a member of the team who won the 2014 Asian Games gold and also the CWG silver at Glasgow the same year. Has played over 80 matches for the country.
Cheteshwar Pujara
(Cricket, BCCI, for Arjuna)
Pujara had a brilliant 2016-2017 season. In the 13 Tests he played Pujara scored 1,316 runs with six hundreds at an astonishing average of 89.16. He was instrumental in India winning the home series against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.
Harmanpreet Kaur
(Women’s cricket, BCCI, for Arjuna)
She broke a barrier of sorts by becoming the first Indian woman to be signed up for BBL. She is by far, the best limited overs cricketer in the country at present and was a member of the team who won the Women’s Asia Cup last year.
