Sports Ministry makes BIG statement in Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna controversy, says ‘list is not…’

Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs official has clarified that the list for Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna has not been finalised and Manu Bhaker is still in contention.

Paris Olympics 2024 double medallist Manu Bhaker’s name has not been excluded from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award list, as the final names for the National Sports Awards are yet to be decided, sources from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) clarified on Tuesday.

“No list has been finalised for the National Sports Awards yet, so there is no question of excluding any player’s name,” an MYAS official stated.

Earlier, Manu Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, expressed disappointment over reports that her name was not shortlisted for the prestigious award. “It was shocking to see that Manu Bhaker wasn’t considered by the committee for the Khel Ratna Award. Many former players tried to intervene, but officials reportedly stated that only those who applied for the award would be eligible,” he said in a self-recorded video.

VIDEO | Here’s what double Olympic medallist #ManuBhaker‘s father Ram Kishan Bhaker said after she was ignored for this year’s Dhyan Chand #KhelRatna award.

“It is also my fault that I encouraged Manu into sports. To the entire country’s parents, I would like to say don’t get… pic.twitter.com/G8Xawi0S9L

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 24, 2024

He suggested that the selection committee should include renowned sports legends who are well-versed in the achievements and challenges of athletes. “There are many icons like PT Usha, Abhinav Bindra, Anjum Bobby George, and Anjali Bhagwat who have deep knowledge of sports. Players like Manu, who have made the nation proud, deserve recognition,” he added.

Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first-ever Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, clinching bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. She also secured another bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

In the bronze medal playoff, the duo defeated South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10, delivering a consistent performance marked by regular 10s. This achievement marked India’s first-ever shooting team medal in the event.

Manu narrowly missed out on a historic treble, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol shooting event, adding another remarkable performance to her Olympic journey.

Meanwhile, the Indian shooter has clarified that there may have been ‘lapse’ on her part in applying for the Khel Ratna as well. “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. I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected,” Bhaker wrote on ‘X’.

“Awards and recognition keeps me motivated but are not my goal,” Manu went on to add.

“Irrespective of the award I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this,” she said.