Faridabad: A joyous atmosphere prevails in the district as two athletes—shooter Manu Bhaker and para-athlete Pranav Surma—were honored on Friday with the prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, respectively. Their families are ecstatic, celebrating this proud moment. However, after receiving the awards, both athletes and their families stayed back in Delhi.
Pranav Surma’s father, Sanjeev Surma, expressed his happiness, saying, “There could be no greater joy for me and my family. This award holds immense significance in our lives. Friday has been an incredibly special day for our family.”
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics by winning two medals, earning her the Khel Ratna, while Pranav Surma secured a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, earning him the Arjuna Award.
Both athletes, along with their families, had reached Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. After receiving their awards from the President, they stayed at a hotel in Delhi. They are expected to return to Faridabad on Saturday.
Manu Bhaker’s father, Ramkishan, currently abroad, shared via a WhatsApp call that Manu’s mother, Sumedha, and brother, Akhil, attended the award ceremony with her. He said, “This is a very special day for our family. We are overjoyed that my daughter has received the Khel Ratna award.”
Pranav’s father, Sanjeev Surma, and mother, Deepika Surma, were present during the award ceremony. They shared their pride, saying, “Our son has brought honor to the country, and we are incredibly proud of him. This is a day of immense happiness for our family.”
