Despite creating history in Paris Olympics, out of the race for Khel Ratna, father raised questions

Manu Bhaker, who created history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, was not nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country’s biggest sports award. This decision has created controversy in the sports world. After recommending the award to Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, Manu’s father Ram Kishan said that his daughter has left it to the people of the country to decide whether she deserves the award or not.

Manu Bhaker: Decision regarding Khel Ratna left to the public

Manu Bhaker’s father Ram Kishan said in a conversation with Telecom Asia Sport,

“Manu feels that she deserves the Khel Ratna, but she wants it to be decided by the people of the country.”

However, the Sports Ministry claims that Manu did not apply for Khel Ratna this year. Her family refuted this statement and said that Manu has been applying for various awards including Padma Shri for the last four years.

Manu’s 49 applications rejected, father angry

According to Ram Kishan, Manu applied for 49 cash awards over the years, but all were rejected. Questioning the committee, he said:

“Despite such a brilliant performance, if Manu’s name is not recommended for the Khel Ratna, it shows that the committee is either not in the right place or is working under someone’s pressure.”

He said that Olympic medal winners and players should be encouraged and not discouraged by such decisions.

Paris Olympics: Manu’s historic performance

Manu Bhaker at Paris Olympics:

1. Won bronze medal in women’s 10 meter air pistol event.
2. Won second bronze medal in 10 meter air pistol team event with Sarabjot Singh.

This is the first time an Indian shooter has won two medals in the same Olympics since independence.

Manu’s journey from Tokyo to Paris

• Tokyo Olympics 2020:
  • Manu Bhaker’s campaign was interrupted due to the malfunction of his pistol.
  • After this failure many people questioned his ability.
• Paris Olympics 2024:
  • Manu made a tremendous comeback and won two medals, silencing his critics.

Khel Ratna controversy and social media controversy

At the beginning of the year, Manu Bhaker had posted on social media,

“Am I entitled to Khel Ratna?”

The post sparked controversy, with critics calling it inappropriate. Later Manu had to remove this post. However, despite this incident, there is anger among his supporters over his name missing from the Khel Ratna list.

Manu’s other achievements

Manu Bhaker’s success is not limited to Olympics only:

• Commonwealth Games 2018:
  • Gold medal in women’s 10 meter air pistol event.
  • Also created a new record of the competition.
• Asian Games 2022:
  • Gold medal in women’s 25 meter pistol team event.

Father raised questions on the committee

Ram Kishan said,

“If we have to make India a hub of sports, then Olympic medal winners should be honoured. The committee’s decision seems to be discouraging the players, instead of encouraging them.”