Blood, Tears & Award

Emotions high as Indian sporting superstars prepare for one of their biggest career moments

- Rohit Paniker

Harmeet Desai could still recall the day he ringed his father to tell him that he’s nominated for the Arjuna award.

Walking down the Rashtrapati Bhawan, on his way to the Durbar Hall on Wednesday, this was exactly that was going on in the 26-year-old table tennis star’s mind.

Today, Harmeet, along with 18 others athletes will be conferred with the Arjuna award by president Ram Nath Kovind and emotions are high as these sporting stars practice their gait to make it everything inch perfect and picturesque.

“I was really nervous. It was my first visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan and I was astounded to be in that historic place. While rehearsing too, I could feel the nervousness walking towards the ramp, speaking to other athletes. I’m finally living my dream,” Harmeet told MAIL TODAY.