Olympic Medals Not Enough for Bhaker as She Faces Heartache Over Khel Ratna Snub
Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old sharpshooter who made history by winning two Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Games, is devastated after being excluded from the shortlist for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. The athlete, who etched her name in Indian sports history by clinching bronze in both the individual and mixed 10m air pistol events, has expressed deep disappointment after learning that her extraordinary achievements were not enough to secure a nomination.
Bhaker’s father revealed the emotional conversation he had with her upon hearing the news. For someone who had worked relentlessly to bring home medals for the country, the decision came as a shock. “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country,” Bhaker said, her words heavy with heartbreak.
The exclusion has raised questions about the criteria and fairness of the selection process. After the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, all seven Indian athletes who won medals were honored with the Khel Ratna. However, the same rule was not applied to Bhaker or other notable medalists from the Paris Olympics. Instead, only a select few, including Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, made it onto the list.
The Disappointment After the Historic Achievement
Manu Bhaker’s exclusion from the Khel Ratna shortlist is a bitter blow to a young athlete who made history for India. Her achievements in Paris 2024 were nothing short of remarkable. Bhaker not only secured two medals in the highly competitive 10m air pistol events but also came heartbreakingly close to winning a third medal, finishing fourth in the 25m pistol event. Despite the narrow miss, her performances were celebrated by fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
It’s puzzling then, why she wasn’t considered for this year’s highest sports honor. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, given annually to recognize outstanding athletes for their exceptional performances, seemed like a natural accolade for Bhaker after her stellar showing in Paris. For many, her exclusion is a stark reminder of how selective the recognition of India’s sporting heroes can sometimes be.
A Pattern of Discontent with the Khel Ratna Selections
The controversy surrounding Bhaker’s omission from the shortlist is part of a larger narrative involving the Khel Ratna award. Many Indian athletes who have achieved remarkable feats on the world stage have expressed frustration with the selection process over the years.
After the Tokyo Olympics, every Indian medalist from the Games was honored with the Khel Ratna, including those who had earned their accolades in niche sports. So, the exclusion of Bhaker, who had made history on the global stage, left many wondering why she was overlooked despite her impressive performance at the Paris Games.
In fact, Bhaker’s snubbing is just one example of how inconsistent the system has been in recognizing the country’s most accomplished athletes. Many fans and critics argue that the selection process seems to favor athletes from certain disciplines or those with a higher profile, leaving others—like Bhaker—out in the cold despite their equally deserving performances.
Why Was Bhaker Left Out?
While no official explanation has been provided for Bhaker’s exclusion, it is widely speculated that the decision may have been influenced by the sheer number of medal winners from the Paris Olympics. With a large pool of deserving athletes, the selection committee may have had to make difficult choices. Still, Bhaker’s achievements stand out as one of the most exceptional among this year’s athletes, making her omission even more surprising.
The fact that Bhaker’s name was left off the list, while other athletes like Harmanpreet Singh and Praveen Kumar made it, has sparked debates about the transparency and objectivity of the selection process. Some have pointed out that athletes in more popular sports tend to receive greater recognition, even if their performances do not necessarily surpass those of athletes from less mainstream disciplines.
Fans Rally Behind Bhaker
In the wake of Bhaker’s exclusion, fans and sports commentators have voiced their support for the athlete on social media and in the press. Many have expressed disbelief that Bhaker’s historic achievements were not enough to earn her a nomination. Supporters have taken to various platforms, demanding answers and calling for greater transparency in the selection process.
Despite the personal heartache, Bhaker has remained focused on her future goals. The young shooter’s remarkable rise in the sport has inspired countless aspiring athletes, and many believe her exclusion from the Khel Ratna shortlist will not diminish her legacy or her potential to achieve even greater things in the future.
