Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics, has not been nominated for the country’s prestigious sports award, the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
This omission has triggered widespread criticism from her family and coach.
Manu’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, voiced his dismay at the decision, expressing his frustration with the sports system.
“It was my mistake to encourage my daughter to pursue sports. I urge parents to keep their children away from sports.”
“If you want money, make your children cricketers, and if you want power, make them administrators or police officers,” he added.
Ram also questioned India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics, stating, “How can we aim for such achievements when we demotivate our athletes like this?”
Similarly, Manu's coach, Jaspal Rana, condemned the exclusion, calling it an insult to Bhaker’s accomplishments.
“Manu Bhaker’s nomination should have been automatic. Ignoring her is a disgrace and highly discouraging.”
“What is the point of winning medals when you have to beg for awards,” he added.
Rana held the Sports Ministry and the Rifle Association responsible for not recognizing her achievements, highlighting her role in bringing India’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting by a female athlete.
In response to the backlash, reports suggest that Manu’s name may still be added to the list of nominees. A ministry official clarified, “This is not the final list, there is a process involved.”
Taking to social media, Manu Bhaker, a two-time bronze medallist, responded to the controversy.
“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."
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.