December 24, 2024: Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist and one of India’s most decorated shooters, recently addressed the controversy surrounding her nomination for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Manu acknowledged that there may have been an error on her part while filing the nomination, which is now being corrected. However, she clarified that awards and recognition, while motivating, are not her primary goals. She emphasized that her focus remains on performing for her country and winning more medals, regardless of any awards she may or may not receive.
Manu’s statement comes amidst speculation regarding the nomination process for the Khel Ratna award. In her message, she urged people not to jump to conclusions and to refrain from speculating about the ongoing matter. She expressed that the nomination issue was being rectified and reassured her supporters that it would not affect her drive to continue excelling in her sport.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) also weighed in, confirming that the list for the National Sports Awards, including the Khel Ratna, has not been finalized yet. This means no athlete’s name can be excluded at this stage, further clarifying the situation.
Manu’s remarkable achievements in shooting have brought her into the limelight. She made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting in Tokyo 2020, securing a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She added to her legacy during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won two bronze medals: one in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, and another in the same event in a historic team performance that marked India’s first-ever shooting team medal. Although Manu narrowly missed out on a third medal in the 25m pistol event, finishing fourth, her consistent performances have solidified her place among the world’s top shooters.
Despite her achievements, Manu has always emphasized that her passion for shooting and her commitment to winning medals for India remain her primary motivation.
