India, Dec. 24 -- Manu Bhaker, a dual medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, is deeply saddened by the absence of her name from the list of candidates nominated for the esteemed Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. At just 22 years old, Bhaker made history as the first Indian athlete of the post-Independence era to secure more than one Olympic medal, achieving bronze in both the individual and mixed 10m air pistol events. Although she narrowly missed a third medal by finishing fourth in the 25m pistol event, her accomplishments have significantly contributed to India's sporting legacy.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Bhaker was excluded from the shortlist of candidates recommended by the sports ministry to the government. Following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, all seven Indian athletes who returned with medals were honored with the Khel Ratna award; however, this precedent did not extend to Bhaker or the majority of medalists from Paris. Only Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were included among the twelve shortlisted candidates.

A source close to The Times of India stated, "Manu mentioned that she had submitted her application through the portal. If that is the case, then her name should have been considered by the committee. Regardless of the circumstances, the federation has reached out to the ministry, urging officials to reconsider her inclusion."

Typically, candidates must submit their names for consideration for the award, but given the significance of Bhaker's achievements in Paris, her selection should have been automatic. Nevertheless, her exclusion has left both her and her father in a state of distress.

"The government needs to acknowledge her contributions. I spoke with Manu, and she expressed her disappointment over the situation. She remarked, 'I shouldn't have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn't have pursued a career in sports,'" shared Manu's father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, with The Times of India.

The criticism is not limited to Bhaker alone. Numerous Indian sports enthusiasts have expressed their discontent with the decision, prompting the sports ministry to reevaluate it. According to a report by the Times of India, it appears that Bhaker may ultimately be denied the Khel Ratna Award, considering the developments of the past 24 hours.

Beyond the Olympic arena, Bhaker's accomplishments are arguably unparalleled. Between the Tokyo and Paris Games, Manu has secured 17 gold medals, six silver medals, and five bronze medals in various shooting competitions, including the Shooting World Championship, the Shooting World Cup, the 2023 Asian Games, and the Junior World Championships, among others.

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