Manu Bhaker to Be Included in Final Khel Ratna List After Backlash: ‘List Not Final Yet’

Manu Bhaker, the Olympic medal-winning shooter, was initially excluded from the list of recommended nominees for India’s prestigious Khel Ratna award, causing a major uproar. The omission came despite Bhaker's historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where she won two medals in the 10m air pistol events. The exclusion led to public outcry, with many questioning the oversight given her achievements in the sport.

Union Sports Minister to Make Final Decision

A day after the backlash, it has been reliably learned that Bhaker’s name is likely to be added to the final list of nominees for the Khel Ratna award. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to take a final decision on the matter in the coming days. The official confirmation of the final list is yet to be made. The initial list, however, only included Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, and Praveen Kumar, the para high jump gold medallist from the Paris Paralympics, which further fueled criticism.

Public Backlash and Clarification

The sports ministry and the 12-member awards committee received considerable criticism for not considering Bhaker, whose name was widely expected to feature due to her historic achievements. A ministry official, however, clarified that the list was not final, stating that "there is a process involved" in the selection process. This clarification came after the initial uproar.

Role of the Awards Selection Committee

The Khel Ratna selection committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian, also includes other prominent figures like former women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, and cricket legend Anil Kumble. The committee is responsible for reviewing the applications of athletes who are nominated. While the committee primarily considers those who have filed their nominations, it also has the authority to discuss names that might not be included in the official list.

NRAI Urges the Sports Ministry to Consider Bhaker

In response to the exclusion, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) wrote to the Secretary of the Sports Ministry, Sujata Chaturvedi, requesting that Bhaker be considered for the award on “exceptional grounds.” Kalikesh Singh Deo, President of NRAI, emphasized that even if Bhaker had not applied, the committee had sufficient reason to consider her based on her Olympic performance. He expressed hope that the ministry would take the necessary steps to rectify the situation and award Bhaker the recognition she deserves.

Manu Bhaker Responds to the Issue

Manu Bhaker addressed the controversy for the first time, seeking to clarify the situation. In her statement, Bhaker acknowledged the ongoing issue surrounding her nomination for the Khel Ratna award and expressed that her focus has always been on performing for her country, rather than seeking awards. She noted that there may have been a lapse in her nomination process and that this was being rectified. Bhaker emphasized that while awards are motivating, her goal remains to continue winning medals for India, regardless of the outcome.

The Shooting Federation’s Support for Bhaker

Despite the controversy, Bhaker has received strong support from the shooting community. The NRAI's intervention and the widespread support for her candidacy highlight the importance of Bhaker’s contribution to Indian sports. Her victories in Paris, where she earned bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events, are seen as historic milestones for Indian shooting.

Aiming for More Medals, Not Recognition

In her comments, Bhaker further reinforced that awards are secondary to her primary goal of excelling as an athlete. She urged the public and media to refrain from speculating on the issue, emphasizing her commitment to representing India on the international stage and securing more medals for her country.