Olympic Medalist Manu bhakar Omitted from Khel Ratna Award Nominations
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Controversy surrounds the nominations for India’s prestigious Khel Ratna award, with double bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhakar, notably absent from the list. The Ministry of Sports claims Bhakar did not apply for the award.
The 12-member selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice V Ramasubramanian, has rather put forward the names of other prominent athletes. These include Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, who led his squad to a bronze medal in Paris; and Praveen kumar, a para-athlete who secured gold in the men’s high jump T64 class at the Paris Paralympics, setting an Asian record in the process.
Bhakar’s achievements at the Paris Olympics were historic. Her bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol marked India’s first medal of the games. She followed this up with another bronze in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. this makes Bhakar the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in a single Games.
Reactions and Analysis
The exclusion of Bhakar has sparked debate among sports enthusiasts and commentators. While the Ministry’s statement cites a lack of application, many question the process and openness of the selection committee. The omission of such a high-achieving athlete raises concerns about the criteria used for nomination and the potential for oversight.
The Khel Ratna award is India’s highest sporting honor, recognizing extraordinary achievements in sports. The controversy surrounding Bhakar’s exclusion highlights the importance of clear and consistent selection processes to ensure fairness and transparency in recognizing the contributions of India’s top athletes.
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Interview with Manu Bhakar
Interviewer: Manu, congratulations on your incredible achievement at the Paris Olympics! You made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in a single Games. How does it feel?
Manu Bhakar: Thank you! It was truly an unforgettable experience. To represent India on such a prestigious stage and bring home two medals is a dream come true. I’m incredibly proud of myself and grateful for all the support I received.
Interviewer: Your bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol was India’s first medal at the Games. How did it feel to make that historic moment?
Manu Bhakar: The pressure was immense, but I stayed focused and believed in myself. When I secured the bronze, a wave of emotions washed over me. I was thrilled to win a medal for my country and inspire young athletes.
Interviewer: There has been some controversy surrounding your omission from the Khel Ratna Award nominations. How do you react to this news?
Manu Bhakar: It’s disappointing,to be honest. I poured my heart and soul into my training and achieved something truly special for india.while the Khel Ratna would have been a great honour, my focus remains on improving my performance and making my country proud.
Interviewer: What are your plans for the future?
Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Manu. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Manu Bhakar:** Thank you!
