Manu Bhaker's Application for Khel Ratna Ignored: Reports
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New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) The name of double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is notably absent from the list of athletes nominated for the esteemed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award this year.
This surprising omission comes even after Bhaker made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian female shooter to secure an Olympic medal by winning bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She followed this achievement with another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, marking the first instance of any Indian winning two medals in a single Olympics since the country gained independence.
On Monday, insiders revealed to IANS that the double-medallist shooter did apply for the Khel Ratna award but was unfortunately not selected. "Manu Bhaker indeed applied for Khel Ratna, but strangely didn't get picked. It is shocking for all. NRAI has no role in it," the source stated.
In the meantime, on behalf of the NRAI, President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo has addressed a letter to the Sports Ministry requesting a reconsideration of Manu Bhaker's case.
Earlier this year, Bhaker found herself embroiled in controversy after questioning on social media whether she deserved the Khel Ratna Award. The post faced backlash, with critics labeling it inappropriate, prompting Bhaker to remove it. Regardless of the controversy, her exclusion from the nominee list has led to widespread disappointment among her supporters.
The performance of the 22-year-old shooter at the Olympics was a testament to years of hard work and resilience, particularly after the disappointment at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction disrupted her campaign. Many doubted her capacity to recover, yet Bhaker silenced her detractors with an impressive comeback in Paris.
Her accolades this year extended beyond the Olympic stage. Bhaker also further enhanced her outstanding record, which already includes gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. She won gold at the 2018 CWG in the women’s 10m air pistol event, setting a new Games record, and triumphed at the 2022 Asian Games in the women’s 25m pistol team event.
At merely 16, Bhaker became the youngest Indian shooter to win gold at the ISSF World Cup in 2018, highlighting her exceptional talent.
