Manu Bhaker, one of India’s most accomplished shooters, is on the verge of being added to the final list for the prestigious Khel Ratna award after her initial omission led to significant backlash. Bhaker, who made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by clinching two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events, was notably absent from the preliminary list of Khel Ratna nominees. This exclusion sparked widespread criticism from both the sports community and her fans, who expressed disbelief at the decision, given her outstanding achievements on the global stage.
The initial list of Khel Ratna recommendations, which included prominent names such as Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who won a gold medal in high jump at the Paris Paralympics, left Bhaker's supporters questioning the selection process. Bhaker’s omission was seen as an oversight by many, especially considering her consistency and excellence in shooting, a sport in which India has traditionally excelled on the world stage.
The selection process for the Khel Ratna involves a committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice V. Ramasubramanian. While the committee primarily reviews applications from athletes who submit their nominations, it also reserves the right to consider names outside this pool. In response to Bhaker’s exclusion, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) took swift action, writing to Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi to request Bhaker’s inclusion on “exceptional grounds.” Kalikesh Singh Deo, the president of the NRAI, highlighted that if Bhaker had indeed applied for the award, there was no valid reason for her exclusion. He further emphasized the need for her achievements to be recognized, urging the ministry to take appropriate action.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has assured that the list is not yet final, and due process is being followed. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to make a final decision on Bhaker’s inclusion in the coming days. As the controversy continues to unfold, Bhaker herself has addressed the issue, expressing her gratitude for the support she has received. "Awards motivate me, but they are not my ultimate goal," Bhaker said in a statement on Tuesday. She acknowledged that there might have been a lapse on her part during the nomination process, which is now being addressed, and reiterated her focus on continuing to perform well for her country. "I remain focused on winning more medals for India," she added.
The Khel Ratna award, which is the highest sporting honor in India, is typically reserved for athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance and achievements in their respective sports. Given Bhaker’s remarkable accomplishments, including her strong showing at the Paris Olympics and her consistent performances on the international shooting circuit, her inclusion in the final list is seen as an inevitable step towards righting the wrong.
As the nation eagerly waits for the official decision, Bhaker’s potential inclusion in the Khel Ratna list serves as a reminder of her unwavering dedication to her craft and her continued ambition to bring glory to India.
