Manu Bhaker Overlooked for Khel Ratna Despite Historic Olympic Performance
Manu Bhaker, the first Indian athlete to clinch two medals in a single edition of the Olympics since independence, has been conspicuously left out of the list of nominees for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The Khel Ratna is India’s highest accolade for sports excellence, and this omission has sparked widespread debate, especially given Bhaker’s stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
ये भी सही है…@realmanubhaker https://t.co/uuUrsje23m
— Ramkishan Bhaker (@BhakerRamkishan) December 23, 2024
The Paris Olympics Triumph
At the Paris Games, Bhaker made history by securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. She further added to her accolades by bagging another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol team event alongside her partner. These feats, coupled with her remarkable comeback following the heartbreak at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction derailed her campaign, cemented her status as one of India’s most resilient and talented athletes.
Father’s Reaction and Public Discontent
Reacting to the omission, Bhaker’s father, Ramkishan Bhaker, expressed his disappointment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), subtly highlighting the irony of the situation. The post gained traction, with many rallying behind Bhaker and questioning the fairness of the selection process.
Sources close to the shooter confirmed that Bhaker had applied for the Khel Ratna Award but was not selected. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which has no direct involvement in the award process, has written to the Sports Ministry urging them to reconsider Bhaker’s exclusion.
Unmatched Achievements
Manu Bhaker’s achievements extend far beyond her Olympic success. At just 16, she became the youngest Indian shooter to win gold at the ISSF World Cup in 2018. She added to her illustrious career with a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games the same year, setting a Games record in the 10m air pistol event. In 2022, she triumphed at the Asian Games, clinching gold in the women’s 25m pistol team event.
Despite her young age, the 22-year-old shooter has consistently proven her mettle on the international stage, displaying remarkable grit and determination.
Controversy
Earlier this year, Bhaker found herself embroiled in controversy after questioning on social media whether she deserved the Khel Ratna Award. While the post drew backlash, it also brought attention to the inconsistency in recognizing sporting excellence. Her omission from the current nominees list has reignited discussions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process.
The exclusion of an athlete of Bhaker’s caliber, especially after her historic Olympic performance, raises critical questions about the criteria and procedures for national awards. As the debate continues, Bhaker’s achievements remain a testament to her resilience and dedication, inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes.
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