Manu Bhaker Heartbroken After Missing Khel Ratna Nomination Despite Paris Olympics Triumph

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting star and twin medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has expressed deep disappointment after being excluded from the shortlist for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Known for her remarkable achievements in the sport, Bhaker's omission has shocked both her and her supporters.

Historic Achievement at the Paris Olympics

Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian athlete of the post-independence era to win more than one Olympic medal. She clinched bronze in both the individual and mixed 10m air pistol events, showcasing her immense talent. Despite narrowly missing a third medal by finishing fourth in the 25m pistol event, Bhaker's performance earned her global recognition and made India proud.

The Snub: No Khel Ratna for Bhaker

However, despite her groundbreaking achievements, Bhaker's name was not included in the list of shortlisted candidates for the Khel Ratna Award. Traditionally, athletes who excel at major events like the Olympics are considered for this honor. After the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, all seven Indian medalists were awarded the Khel Ratna. This year, only two Paris Olympic medalists-hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar-were nominated.

Bhaker's absence from the list has left her and her family heartbroken. According to Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, his daughter was devastated by the snub. "Manu told me, 'I shouldn't have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn't have become a sportsperson,'" he shared. The pain of being overlooked, despite her extraordinary achievements, was evident in his words.

A Stellar Career Beyond the Olympics

Manu Bhaker's accomplishments extend far beyond the Paris Olympics. Between the Tokyo and Paris Games, she has accumulated 17 gold medals, six silver medals, and five bronze medals across various prestigious shooting events. These include the Shooting World Championship, World Cup, the 2023 Asian Games, and Junior World Championships, further cementing her position as one of India's top shooters.

Public Backlash and Potential Reconsideration

The exclusion has sparked an outpouring of support for Bhaker from fans and sports enthusiasts across India, many of whom have questioned the decision. The sports ministry, in response to the public backlash, may reconsider Bhaker's nomination for the Khel Ratna Award.

While Bhaker's name might not be on the list this year, her achievements in the shooting world remain unparalleled. Her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian sports continues to inspire, and her contribution to the nation's sporting success is undeniable.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Bhaker remains one of India's brightest sporting stars, and her determination to excel will continue to drive her career forward. As the Khel Ratna nomination process unfolds, the nation's sports fans remain hopeful that Manu Bhaker's excellence will eventually be recognized, if not today, then in the near future.