Khel Ratna Award motivates me to achieve more victories: Manu Bhaker
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Synopsis
On January 17, 2023, Manu Bhaker received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu. The Indian pistol shooter expressed her gratitude and motivation to bring more victories to India, driven by this prestigious recognition.
Key Takeaways
- Manu Bhaker received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
- She became the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.
- Achievements include bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team events.
- She has also excelled in World Championships and Asian Games.
- The award symbolizes India's highest sports honor.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Awarded the esteemed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, Indian pistol star Manu Bhaker expressed that this honor will motivate her to pursue even more victories in the future, aiming to bring pride to her nation.
Manu made history as the first Indian athlete to secure two medals in a single edition of the summer Olympic Games in Paris, achieving a double bronze in both the 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team events.
"I am profoundly privileged to have received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from the esteemed President of India @rashtrapatibhvn. This recognition fuels my determination to work harder and aim for more victories to uplift my country. I sincerely thank everyone who has supported, guided, and cheered for me throughout my journey," Manu shared on X.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award stands as India’s highest accolade in sports.
Following her challenging experience at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction hindered her medal prospects, the 22-year-old Manu made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to earn two medals in a single Olympic edition since independence.
Her first medal at the Paris Olympics came in the form of a bronze in the women's 10 m air pistol. This achievement was celebrated a day after she became the first female shooter to reach an Olympic final in an individual event in two decades, narrowly missing out on a silver medal by just 0.1 point.
Shortly thereafter, she collaborated with Sarabjot Singh to secure bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Manu also came exceedingly close to her historic third medal, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol event. She was initially tied for third place with former world record holder (25m pistol) Veronika Major of Hungary, but two points lost in the shoot-off series led to a missed podium finish.
In addition to her Olympic success, Manu has claimed gold medals at the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Youth Olympic Games.
