Manu Bhaker’s coach Jaspal Rana has hit back at the news of double Olympic medalist being not nominated for Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Speaking to news agency PTI, Rana said, “How can it be ignored? There has to be some system where points system should be given to an athlete and after that, they should decide. How many athletes are very finely educated and they have every knowledge of how to apply and what to apply? Does that make a sense that only an athlete can apply? Why not federation, why not even SAI (Sports Authority of India), why not even ministry?”
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports guidelines amended on October 24, 2024, “applications are being invited only online through a dedicated portal”. The guidelines further stated that eligible sportspersons “need to self-apply” through the online portal”.
Manu Bhaker’s father Ram Kishan was also gutted with the decision and revealed that the athlete is dejected to the extent that she feels it wasn’t worth becoming a sportsperson. Speaking to The Times of India, here’s what the 22-year-old’s father stated:
“I spoke to Manu, and she was disheartened by all this. She told me ‘I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn’t have become a sportsperson’”.
He further added, “I regret putting her in the sport of shooting. I should have instead made her a cricketer. Then, all the awards and accolades would have come her way. She won two Olympic medals in a single edition, no one has ever done that. What else do you expect my child to do for the country? The govt must recognise her efforts.”
According to the Hindustan Times report, The sports ministry, however, added that the final list for the Khel Ratna has not yet been finalised, leaving the door open for Bhaker to be considered for the accolade.
Manu Bhaker’s Olympic double
Manu Bhaker led India’s show at the Paris Olympics. Manu won two bronze medals — one in women’s 10m air pistol event and the other one along with Sarabjot Singh in the mixed 10m pistol event.