Manu Bhaker Rattled Sports Ministry Scrambles to Save Face, ‘May Award’ Khel Ratna
In a recent turn of events, the Indian sports ministry finds itself at the center of a growing controversy. The uproar stems from the exclusion of star shooter Manu Bhaker (Paris Games 2024.) from the prestigious Khel Ratna Award—India’s highest sporting honor. The decision, or lack thereof, has triggered widespread criticism from sports enthusiasts, commentators, and Manu Bhaker (Paris Games 2024.) supporters, leading the ministry to reconsider its stance. Reports now suggest that Manu Bhaker (Paris Games 2024.) may still be awarded the honor, as the ministry scrambles to restore its reputation.
Manu Bhaker’s (Paris Games 2024.) exclusion from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award list has sparked controversy, prompting the sports ministry to consider using executive powers to nominate her. Despite her historic Olympic achievements and several international medals, the selection committee overlooked her. The National Sports Awards scheme’s provisions might be invoked to address this oversight.
Manu created history at the Paris Games 2024 after clinching back-to-back medals (bronze) in the women’s individual 10m air pistol and in the mixed team event partnering Sarabjot Singh, cementing her place as one of the greatest Indian athletes in Olympic sports. The 22-year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district became the first Indian to achieve such a feat at a single Olympic edition since India attained independence.
Her omission from the list of athletes recommended for the Khel Ratna – as highlighted by TOI in its exclusive report on Monday – thus came as a huge surprise. The 12-member selection committee failed to take cognizance of her incredible achievements during the awards cycle period, where she won several medals at major multisport and international events.
The committee recommended ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, who captained the Indian men’s hockey team to a bronze medal-finish in Paris, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who won gold in the men’s high jump T64 class with an Asian record at the Paris Paralympics, for the Khel Ratna.
The authorities forgot that in the past, Olympic medallists were awarded the Khel Ratna upon their return to the country right after their successful campaign at the Summer Games. In 2021, all the medallists from the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games – who had not yet been awarded the Khel Ratna – were awarded with the honour by the govt. Strangely, the same gesture or rule wasn’t applied in the case of a deserving athlete as Manu.
While the officials in the ministry claimed that the shooter didn’t apply for the award, Manu’s father Ram Bhaker (Paris Games 2024.) maintained that she had indeed sent in her application. The point is, even if Manu had not applied for the award, why did the selection panel fail to take cognizance of her stupendous achievements as a shooter over the years?
Manu Bhaker It’s been learnt that the ministry might invoke Articles 5.1 and 5.2 of the ‘Scheme for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ which state: “Sportspersons eligible in accordance with award guidelines will be permitted to self-apply without the recommendation of the authorities/persons. Notwithstanding the above, the government reserves the right to nominate up to two nominations in deserving cases.”
According to sources, sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to go through the names of Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand nominees and give his approval to the list on Wednesday. Sources said the minister, who has been travelling, has already been informed about the controversy surrounding Manu Bhaker exclusion from the list.
While the scheme provides that applicants should self-apply on the ministry’s portal for awards, the respective national sports federation (NSF) of athletes can also send the names of deserving sportspersons to the ministry online by filling up the details. The National Rifle Association of India (
“Manu Bhaker said she had applied on the portal. If that was the case, then the committee must have considered her name. Whatever the situation, the federation has approached the ministry and requested the officials to include her name,” the source said.
Whether Manu Bhaker name will feature in the final list of Khel Ratna awardees (Manu Bhaker) is yet to be seen, but it can be confirmed that she has also applied for the country’s third and fourth highest civilian awards – Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, respectively. Manu’s twin applications for these awards are in possession of TOI. She applied on the Padma awards’ portal on Sep 15.
Manu Bhaker father on Monday lambasted the ministry and selection committee for ignoring his child’s achievements. “I regret putting her in the sport of shooting. I should have instead made her a cricketer. Then, all the awards and accolades would have come her way. She won two Olympic medals in a single edition, no one has ever done that. What else do you expect my child to do for the country? The govt must recognise her efforts. I spoke to Manu, and she was disheartened by all this. She 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’,” Bhaker told TOI.
The Controversy: What Led to the Outcry?
Manu Bhaker, one of India’s most celebrated young athletes, has consistently proven her mettle on the global stage. A multiple-time medalist in international shooting championships, Bhaker has been a beacon of excellence in her sport. Despite her achievements, she was notably absent from the list of Khel Ratna Award recipients, a move that sparked outrage.
- Public Reaction: The omission of Manu Bhaker from the awards list led to an outpouring of support on social media. Fans and sports analysts questioned the criteria used for the selection process, alleging bias and lack of transparency.
- Pressure on the Ministry: Facing mounting criticism, the sports ministry was compelled to revisit its decision. Senior officials reportedly held emergency meetings to address the backlash and explore options to include Bhaker.
Manu Bhaker: A Star in Indian Shooting
Manu Bhaker’s rise in the world of shooting has been meteoric. Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, she took up the sport as a teenager and quickly made her mark. Her impressive record includes:
- International Medals: Bhaker has won multiple gold medals in events like the ISSF World Cup and the Youth Olympic Games.
- National Records: She has consistently dominated national championships, setting records and raising the bar for her peers.
- Tokyo Olympics: While her Olympic campaign faced challenges, her resilience and determination earned widespread respect.
The Khel Ratna Award: Significance and Selection Process
The Khel Ratna, officially known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is the highest honor in Indian sports. It recognizes athletes who have demonstrated outstanding performance and brought laurels to the country.
- Criteria: The award considers achievements in international competitions, consistency, and contribution to the promotion of sports.
- Selection Controversies: Over the years, the award has been marred by allegations of favoritism and lack of transparency, with Bhaker’s case adding to the list of contentious decisions.
The Ministry’s Response
In light of the criticism, the sports ministry has reportedly initiated damage-control measures. Sources indicate that officials are exploring ways to amend the award list and include Bhaker.
- Emergency Deliberations: Senior officials have convened multiple meetings to address the issue. Proposals to award Bhaker retroactively are being discussed.
- Statements: While the ministry has yet to make an official announcement, insiders suggest that an announcement is imminent.
- Implications: Any decision to include Bhaker at this stage would set a precedent, raising questions about the credibility of the initial selection process.
Voices of Support
Prominent figures from the sporting world and beyond have rallied behind Bhaker, urging the ministry to rectify the oversight. Among them:
- Athletes: Fellow athletes have expressed solidarity with Bhaker, highlighting her contributions to Indian sports.
- Sports Analysts: Experts have criticized the selection process, calling for greater accountability and fairness.
- Public Figures: Celebrities and politicians have also weighed in, amplifying calls for justice.
Broader Implications for Indian Sports
The controversy surrounding Bhaker’s omission underscores larger issues in Indian sports administration. Key concerns include:
- Transparency in Awards: The lack of clear criteria and accountability in award selection processes has long been a point of contention.
- Recognition of Talent: Instances like Bhaker’s omission raise questions about the prioritization of merit in honoring athletes.
- Impact on Morale: Such controversies can demoralize athletes, potentially affecting their performance and commitment.
Next Steps for the Sports Ministry
As the ministry navigates this crisis, it faces several challenges and opportunities:
- Immediate Action: An official statement clarifying Bhaker’s status is expected soon. Awarding her the Khel Ratna could help mitigate public anger.
- Policy Reforms: The incident highlights the need for reforms in the award selection process to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Long-Term Vision: Beyond addressing this controversy, the ministry must focus on fostering a supportive environment for athletes.
Conclusion
The ongoing controversy surrounding Manu Bhaker’s exclusion from the Khel Ratna Awards has sparked a much-needed conversation about fairness and accountability in Indian sports administration. As the sports ministry scrambles to save face, its actions will not only impact Bhaker but also set a precedent for how deserving athletes are honored in the future. For now, all eyes remain on the ministry’s next move, as fans and supporters await justice for one of India’s brightest sporting stars.
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