Manu Bhaker Father Lashes Out After Khel Ratna Snub: ‘What’s the Point of Winning Medals?’

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India's ace shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, has been left out of the nominations for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The exclusion has ignited a controversy.

Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, expressed deep frustration at what he calls a flawed process. Manu Bhaker etched her name in history as the first Indian female shooter to clinch an Olympic medal. She secured a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event.

Be won another bronze medal in the mixed 10m air pistol team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker became the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals at a single Olympics. Despite these remarkable achievements, the 22-year-old has not been recommended for India's highest sporting honor.

The 12-member selection committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramaniam, shortlisted India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympian Praveen Kumar instead.

"What's the Point of Winning Medals?"

In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Ram Kishan Bhaker vented his disappointment. "What's the point of getting two medals in a single Olympics if you have to beg for awards?" he asked. He also raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process.

He said, "One government official is deciding, and committee members are silent. Is this the way you are encouraging athletes?" Ram Kishan Bhaker revealed that the family had applied for the award but received no response from the committee. "Why are parents encouraging their kids to play? They should push them to become IRS officers in the government," he added.

Manu's exclusion has drawn comparisons to past instances where athletes like Mohammed Shami were nominated for awards through suo moto recognition by the committee. Critics argue that Bhaker's achievements warranted similar consideration. Despite the setback, Manu remains focused on her future.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2024, she said, "My target is to win gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. For now, I am on a short break before starting my preparations." The controversy surrounding Bhaker's exclusion has reignited debates about the fairness of India's sports award processes, leaving fans and experts alike questioning the criteria for recognition.