Paris Olympics’ double bronze-medallist Manu Bhaker said there could have been a possible lapse on her part in filing nominations for this year’s National Sports Awards, amid a growing controversy over her exclusion from the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award list.
The 22-year-old shooter, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, took to social media on Tuesday to clarify her position. This came a day after the sports ministry had to intervene, clarifying that the list of awardees had not yet been finalised.
“With regards to ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award — I would like to state that as an athlete my role is to play and perform for my country,” Bhaker wrote on X. “I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected.”
Bhaker emphasised that her primary goal remains to perform for her country, regardless of awards. “Awards and recognition keeps me motivated but are not my goal,” she added. “Irrespective of the award I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this.”
The controversy began after her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, and personal coach Jaspal Rana expressed disappointment over her exclusion, citing her historic Olympic achievements. They criticised the sports ministry and the selection committee for overlooking her.
However, the sports ministry has stated that the list of awardees is still being finalised and that Bhaker is likely to be included when the names are officially revealed.
Reports indicate that men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold-medal high jumper Praveen Kumar have been shortlisted for the Khel Ratna, alongside 30 Arjuna awardees, 17 of whom are from para disciplines.
The selection committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian, also includes former hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, and cricket legend Anil Kumble, among others. While the committee considers only those who submit applications, it can also discuss names that may not appear on the list.
Bhaker’s exclusion came as a shock, given her historic achievement in Paris. She became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic Games, securing bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and the 10m air pistol mixed team events with partner Sarabjot Singh.