Goa, Dec. 1 -- She is the first non-footballer from the state to be conferred the honour. Bhakti is also the first Goan woman to win the prestigious award.

Communicating from New Delhi, she said, "I am honoured with this Prestigious Arjuna Award. Thanks to all and now I feel my responsibility has increased and will give my best to win many more medals for our country. This is a dream-come-true moment."

Table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal was bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting honour.

The awards were given away by President Droupadi Murmu in a glittering National Sports Awards ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Wednesday.

While Sharath is the lone Khel Ratna award recipient, 25 ...