Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna Row: Coach Jaspal Rana Blasts SAI, Sports Ministry and NRAI for Ignoring Two-Time Olympic Medallist

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Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna row: Jaspal Rana, the coach of double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, has expressed his outrage over the failure to recognize her for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.

Rana criticised the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), holding them accountable for "ignoring" Bhaker's credentials.

In an emotional outburst, Rana questioned the decision-makers: "Don't they know who Manu Bhaker is?" He emphasised that her groundbreaking achievement-becoming the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single Games-should have automatically placed her name on the list for the Khel Ratna. "Her name should have been there automatically," he told news agency PTI.

The controversy stems from the ministry's new requirement that athletes must now self-nominate for awards, bypassing the involvement of federations or other institutions. Rana found this system demeaning and detrimental to sports: "How can anyone even say Manu did not apply?" he asked. He argued that such a system could be harmful to athletes who may not be aware of or able to navigate the application process, pointing out that a sportsperson's achievements should naturally warrant recognition.

Rana also took issue with the process of self-nomination itself. "Does every athlete know how to apply? Does it make sense that only an athlete can apply?" he questioned. According to Rana, the responsibility should lie with the federations, the Sports Authority of India, or the ministry, rather than putting the burden on the athletes.

While the Ministry claimed that Bhaker did not apply, her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, clarified that the young shooter had followed the due process. Rana further expressed his dismay, calling it "appalling" that a top-tier athlete like Bhaker should be forced to apply for an award, stating that such honors should be automatic and not subject to bureaucratic processes.

Despite the uproar, a ministry source revealed that Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya would decide on the final list of nominees, with Bhaker's name "in all likelihood" included. "There is no final list of nominees at this point... her name will be there in the final list," the source confirmed.

This row has sparked a debate about the fairness and transparency of the current award selection process, and whether it truly serves the best interests of athletes like Manu Bhaker.