Manu Bhaker Addresses Khel Ratna Award Controversy

New Delhi- Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker has addressed the controversy surrounding her reported exclusion from this year's Khel Ratna awardees list. The 22-year-old pistol shooter took to social media platform X to acknowledge a potential lapse on her part in filing the nomination for the prestigious award.

Bhaker's name was surprisingly absent from the National Sports Awards selection committee's recommendations, despite her historic achievements at the Paris Olympics where she secured bronze medals in both the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside partner Sarabjot Singh. The Sports Ministry intervened on Monday to clarify that the shooter did not apply for the award, a statement contradicted by Bhaker's family.

While acknowledging that awards and recognition motivate her, Bhaker emphasized that her primary focus is performing for her country. "With regards to ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award-I would like to state that as an athlete my role is to play and perform for my country," she stated on X.

Admitting the possibility of an error during the nomination process, she added, "I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected." Bhaker urged the public to refrain from speculation and emphasized her dedication to winning more medals for India.

Manu's father, Ram Kishan, insists that his daughter deserves the award but has left the decision to the country. In an interview with Telecom Asia Sport on Monday, he stated, "I think I deserve it. Let the country decide." He further questioned why Manu wouldn't have applied for the award this year, given her history of applying for various honors like the Padma Shri for the past four years.

The Khel Ratna, officially known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is India's highest sporting honor. Manu's exclusion has ignited widespread debate on the nomination and selection process for the prestigious award.