Manu Bhaker’s name to be included in the final list for Khel Ratna award following significant backlash: ‘List not final yet’
A day after the omission of Manu Bhaker’s name from the list of recommended candidates for the prestigious Khel Ratna award sparked a furore, it is now understood that her name is likely to be added to the final list once Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya makes a decision in the coming days. While no official announcement has been made yet, the initial list for the country’s top sports award only included Harmanpreet Singh, the captain and drag-flicker of the India men’s hockey team, and Praveen Kumar, the para high jump gold medallist at the Paris Paralympics, who also won silver in Tokyo three years ago. Bhaker, who had created history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, was initially left off the list, prompting significant backlash.
The sports ministry and the 12-member awards committee faced criticism, although a ministry official clarified, “This is not the final list; there is a process in place.”
The awards selection committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian, includes former women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, cricket legend Anil Kumble, and others. The committee is required to review applications from candidates but is also authorized to discuss names that do not appear on the list if deemed necessary.
On Monday, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) wrote to Secretary of Sports Sujata Chaturvedi, urging the ministry to consider Manu Bhaker for the Khel Ratna award on “exceptional grounds.”
In an interview with HT, NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo stated, “We don’t know whether she applied, but if she did, the committee had no reason not to consider her. If she didn’t apply, then the committee had no authority to act. We are hopeful the ministry will recognize our perspective and award her the recognition she truly deserves.”
On Tuesday, Manu Bhaker addressed the issue publicly for the first time, seeking to put it to rest. “Regarding the ongoing discussion about my nomination for the prestigious Khel Ratna award, I would like to clarify that as an athlete, my primary focus is to play and perform for my country. While awards and recognition motivate me, they are not my ultimate goal. I believe there was a lapse, possibly on my part, in submitting my nomination, which is being corrected. Regardless of the award, I will stay motivated to win more medals for my country. I kindly request that everyone refrain from speculating on this matter,” Bhaker stated.
She had secured bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event (with Sarabjot Singh) at the Paris Olympics.
“Same gold, same pride, so why not the same award?”: Amid the Manu Bhaker controversy, India’s Paralympic champion raises concerns.
