Manu Bhaker Speaks Out on Khel Ratna Controversy: A Possible Oversight
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New Delhi, Dec 24 (NationPress) After much discussion surrounding the omission of Manu Bhaker, India's double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics, from the current year's Khel Ratna award list, the 22-year-old pistol shooter has publicly addressed the situation, admitting a possible oversight in her nomination submission for this esteemed accolade.
The controversy began when the National Sports Awards selection committee unexpectedly left Bhaker's name off the recommendations, despite her remarkable achievements at the Paris Olympics. The sports ministry intervened on Monday to manage the backlash, while Bhaker took to social media to share her viewpoint on the matter.
On her post on X, Manu emphasized that her main objective is to perform for her country, rather than chase awards. "Regarding the ongoing issue concerning my nomination for the prestigious Khel Ratna award, I want to clarify that as an athlete, my duty is to play and excel for my nation. Awards and recognition inspire me but are not my ultimate aim."
She acknowledged the possibility of an error in the nomination process, stating, "I believe there may have been a lapse, perhaps on my part while submitting the nomination, which is being rectified. Regardless of the award, I will remain driven to secure more medals for my country. I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this situation," she urged.
In an exclusive conversation with Telecom Asia Sport, Manu's father, Ram Kishan, stated that she believes she deserves the award but has entrusted the decision to the nation, saying, "I think I deserve it. Let the country decide," according to his remarks on Monday.
While the sports ministry has claimed that the 22-year-old shooter did not apply for the Khel Ratna, her family disputes this assertion. "She has been applying for various honors like Padma Shri for the past four years. So why wouldn’t she apply this year?" questioned Ram Kishan in a conversation with Telecom Asia Sport.
Manu Bhaker won bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh at the Paris Olympics.
The Khel Ratna, formally known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is India’s highest sporting recognition, and Bhaker’s exclusion has ignited significant discussion about the nomination and selection procedures.
