Manu Bhaker Poised for Khel Ratna After Double Bronze at Paris Olympics

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Young shooting sensation Manu Bhaker made history by winning two bronze medals for India at the Paris Olympics 2024. She secured her first medal in the 10-meter air pistol event and her second in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. With this achievement, she became the first Indian female athlete to win two medals in the same Olympics.

Amid reports of Manu Bhaker being overlooked for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award this year, a top source from the Sports Ministry clarified that the final list of awardees is yet to be decided. The source added that Bhaker's name is likely to feature in the list, which will be announced in the coming week. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to make a decision on the matter within a day or two.

The 12-member award selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian, includes notable former athletes like Rani Rampal, the former captain of the Indian women's hockey team. According to ministry rules, players can nominate themselves for the awards, and the committee can also consider individuals who have not applied. However, the Sports Ministry has claimed that Bhaker did not submit her application.

In contrast, Manu Bhaker's father, Ramkishan Bhaker, refuted this claim, asserting that she had indeed applied. He expressed frustration, stating, "The Olympic Games seem to have no importance in India. Despite winning two Olympic medals, Manu has been ignored for the Khel Ratna award. What is the point of representing the country and winning medals if one has to beg for recognition?" He further added that Manu has consistently applied for several awards, including the Khel Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, over the last two to three years, and he has personally witnessed her efforts.