Renowned Indian shooter Manu Bhaker’s omission from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award shortlist has sparked strong reactions from her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker. Despite her historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she clinched two bronze medals, Bhaker was not considered for the country’s highest sporting honor, leaving her family disheartened.
Expressing his disappointment, Ram Kishan lamented introducing Manu to shooting, stating that he now regrets steering her towards a less commercially popular sport. “I should have encouraged her to take up cricket instead. If she were a cricketer, the awards and recognition would have come automatically,” he said, emphasizing the disparity in acknowledgment for achievements across different sports.
According to Ram Kishan, Manu herself is deeply hurt by the snub. He revealed that she confided in him, saying, “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. Maybe I shouldn’t have become a sportsperson at all.”
Manu’s frustration spilled onto social media as well. In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), she questioned her worthiness for the prestigious award, asking, “Do I deserve the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award? Thank you.”
The Sports Ministry claims that Manu did not formally apply for the award, but her family refutes this assertion. They argue that the selection committee could have considered her extraordinary achievements on its own initiative, as has been done in the past for athletes like cricketer Mohammed Shami, who received the Arjuna Award despite not applying for it.
Manu Bhaker’s omission has reignited debates about the recognition of Olympic achievements and the need for fair treatment across different sports in India. The controversy also highlights the emotional toll such decisions take on athletes and their families, who dedicate their lives to representing the country on global platforms.
