Manu Bhaker’s remarkable achievements in shooting, particularly her history-making performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, have been overshadowed by a surprising omission from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award nominations.
The 22-year-old shooter, who secured two bronze medals at the Paris Games, made headlines as she became the first female shooter from India to win an Olympic medal. However, her exclusion from the prestigious recognition has stirred controversy, with differing accounts surrounding the reason behind her absence from the nomination list.
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Bhaker’s Groundbreaking Olympic Achievement
Manu Bhaker’s accomplishments at the Paris Olympics are nothing short of extraordinary. In a landmark achievement, she became the first Indian female shooter to clinch an Olympic medal. Bhaker secured two bronze medals—one in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another in the mixed 10m air pistol team event alongside her teammate Sarabjot Singh. This monumental feat made her the first Indian shooter to win such honors at the Olympic Games, marking a historical moment in the country’s sports legacy.
Despite these record-breaking achievements, Bhaker’s name was conspicuously absent from the list of athletes nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India. Instead, other notable figures like hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar earned nominations, leading to further scrutiny and disappointment.
Controversial Social Media Post Adds Fuel to the Fire
Earlier this year, Manu Bhaker stirred public debate when she posted on social media, questioning whether she deserved the ‘Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.’ While her question reflected a natural curiosity regarding the prestigious honor, it was met with negative feedback from a section of fans, who accused her of seeking validation. Despite the backlash, the fact remains that Bhaker’s achievements in Paris were remarkable, especially considering her comeback after a disappointing Tokyo Olympics performance, where a technical issue with her pistol thwarted her medal hopes.
Discrepancy in the Nomination Process
The situation took an intriguing turn when reports emerged stating that Bhaker was not among the nominees for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. According to officials from the Ministry of Sports, the omission was due to the fact that Bhaker had not submitted an application for the award. This claim, however, was quickly challenged by those close to the athlete. Sources from Bhaker’s family vehemently countered the ministry’s assertion, stating that Bhaker had, in fact, submitted her application for consideration.
This discrepancy between official statements and the family’s claims has added a layer of confusion to the situation. While the Ministry of Sports stands by its statement, Bhaker’s supporters are left to wonder why her application, if submitted, was not considered.
Manu Bhaker’s Achievements Beyond the Olympics
In addition to her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the global stage. Her career includes multiple gold medals, such as in the 2022 Asian Games, where she triumphed in the women’s 25m pistol team event, and at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event.
Bhaker’s rise to prominence began at the tender age of 16 when she became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the World Cup in 2018. These victories are a testament to her remarkable consistency and ability to excel in high-pressure environments. Despite her setbacks in Tokyo, where a pistol malfunction led to a disappointing performance, Bhaker’s recovery in Paris further cemented her reputation as one of India’s finest shooters.
The Role of Coach Jaspal Rana in Bhaker’s Success
A significant factor in Bhaker’s success has been her relationship with her coach, Jaspal Rana. Bhaker has credited Rana’s rigorous training program as instrumental in her Olympic success. After a period of struggle following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker’s return to form was fueled by Rana’s focused and disciplined approach. Under his guidance, Bhaker not only regained her confidence but also achieved the historic feats that earned her recognition on the global stage.
Manu Bhaker’s exclusion from the Khel Ratna nominations raises critical questions about transparency in the selection process for India’s highest sports honor. While the reasons for her omission remain contested, it is impossible to overlook her groundbreaking achievements in shooting, which have contributed significantly to India’s sporting legacy. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing remains clear—Manu Bhaker’s impact on Indian sports is undeniable, and her remarkable career deserves to be celebrated, regardless of the outcome of this particular nomination process.
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FAQs
Why was Manu Bhaker left out of the Khel Ratna nominations?
Manu Bhaker was reportedly excluded from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna nominations because officials claim she did not apply for the award. However, her family disputes this, stating she had submitted her application.
What were Manu Bhaker’s achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals: one in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another in the mixed 10m air pistol team event with Sarabjot Singh, making her the first Indian female shooter to win Olympic medals.
What was the controversy surrounding Manu Bhaker’s social media post?
Manu Bhaker posted a question on social media asking if she deserved the Khel Ratna Award. This led to negative reactions from some fans, who accused her of seeking validation, although her Olympic achievements were historic.
What other notable victories has Manu Bhaker achieved?
In addition to her Olympic success, Bhaker has claimed multiple gold medals, including at the 2022 Asian Games in the women’s 25m pistol team event and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the women’s 10m air pistol event.
How has coach Jaspal Rana contributed to Bhaker’s success?
Manu Bhaker credits her coach, Jaspal Rana, for playing a crucial role in her comeback to form after the Tokyo Olympics. His structured training program helped Bhaker achieve historic success at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
