Why Manu Bhaker wasn’t nominated for Khel Ratna award? Here’s all you need to know

New Delhi: Surprisingly, Manu Bhaker, the double bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics, has been overlooked for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award according to recent reports. Bhaker faced equipment failure in the Tokyo Olympics 2021, however, she bounced back and secured two bronze medals in shooting in Paris Olympics 2024.

According to a report by the Times of India, it’s claimed that Manu Bhaker did not put in her candidacy for the famed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, as per statements made by the sports ministry officials. On the other hand, her family insists that the young 22-year-old did indeed apply for the honour. Despite a disappointing hiccup due to a faulty pistol during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Manu is showing renewed vigor and determination as she gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

First, she claimed a bronze medal in the 10-metre air pistol event for women, marking herself as the first Indian female shooter to clinch an Olympic medal. Not long after this feat, Manu Bhaker found herself on the winner’s podium again, alongside her teammate Sarabjot Singh, capturing glory in the women’s mixed 10-metre air pistol team event.

Manu Bhaker etched her name in history books as the first athlete from India to bring home two medals in a single Olympics since the country’s independence. She was a whisker away from adding a third to her tally but had to settle for the fourth spot in the women’s 25-meter pistol showdown.

Harmanpreet Singh, our Indian men’s hockey team leader who steered the team towards a glorious bronze medal victory at the Paris Olympics in 2024, along with Praveen Kumar – a commendable para-athlete who claimed gold for the men’s high jump T64 category, have recently been suggested for the esteemed Khel Ratna award. These noteworthy nominations are put forward by a distinguished selection committee of 12, led by the respected and retired Supreme Court judge, Justice V Ramasubramanian.

Harmanpreet, a vital part of the Indian team, clinched a bronze medal at the esteemed Tokyo Olympics. Known for being a force to reckon with in modern hockey, he has been hailed as the FIH Player of the year thrice, creating a unique record. His exemplary leadership landed India a triumphant win at the previous year’s Asian Games. Contributing to the team’s hard-earned victories, he assisted in drawing home silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.

The shining star of Indian para high jumping, Praveen Kumar, made his mark at the early age of 21. He soared to a height of 2.08 meters snatching the golden glory in Paris, solidifying his standing after winning his second medal in a row at the Paralympics. Before this victory, he had put Asia on the map at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by clinching a silver medal and setting an Asian record by jumping 2.07 meters high.

Mohammed Shami, an eminent cricketer from India, was honored with the Arjuna Award last year without having applied for the accolade himself. The surprising recognition came to him as the Indian Cricket Control Board (BCCI) put forth his name to the committee governing the awards. In a delightful turn of events, the awards committee decided to celebrate National Sports Day by recognizing Shami’s contributions and achievements in cricket.

Even if Bhaker hadn’t officially applied, the selection committee holds the power to acknowledge her extraordinary performances at the Paris Olympics, and her prior accomplishments – all on their own volition.

Manu Bhaker posted this and then deleted it….wtf pic.twitter.com/Fe00l5EqEc

— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) October 26, 2024

In a recent post shared on her social platforms, Manu Bhaker sparked a conversation among her followers by questioning whether her performance deserved a Khel Ratna award. Alongside her thought-provoking question, she proudly displayed two medals she bagged at the Paris Olympics, subtly advocating her claim, Bhaker wrote, “Tell me, Do I deserve Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award? Thank You.”

After Bhaker posted the message, she experienced backlash from the internet community, which led to her decision to take it down.