Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has recently addressed the controversy surrounding her exclusion from the nominees for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. The Paris Olympics medallist issued a thoughtful and composed statement, clarifying her stance and reaffirming her commitment to her sport. Bhaker emphasized that while awards and recognitions serve as great sources of motivation for athletes, they are not her ultimate goal. She reiterated her belief that her primary duty as a sportsperson is to compete and excel for her country, and external accolades, while appreciated, do not define her journey.
“As an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country,” Bhaker stated. She explained that the drive to achieve excellence and bring glory to India on the global stage motivates her more than any recognition. Bhaker expressed that she has immense respect for awards and considers them a symbol of encouragement, but they are secondary to her passion for her sport. Despite the controversy, she assured her supporters that she remains focused and determined to continue winning medals for India. She also called for people to refrain from unnecessary speculation, emphasizing that any perceived lapse in her nomination process is being addressed through the appropriate channels.
The controversy came to light after the National Sports Day committee, comprising 12 members and chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian, released its list of nominees for the Khel Ratna award. To the surprise of many, Bhaker’s name was conspicuously absent. The nominees included Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, among others. The exclusion of Bhaker, who has consistently delivered stellar performances on the international stage, raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
Bhaker’s family, particularly her father Ram Kishan, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the development. In an interview with India Today, he said, “What’s the point of getting two medals in a single Olympics if you have to beg for awards?” He criticized the selection process, claiming that the lack of accountability discourages young athletes and their families. “One government official is deciding, and committee members are silent, not giving their opinion. I don’t understand. Is this the way you are encouraging athletes?” he added. Kishan also suggested that the current system undermines the sacrifices made by athletes and their families, stating, “Parents should push their kids to become IRS officers in the government instead of pursuing sports.”
Despite the backlash, a source within the Sports Ministry clarified that the list of nominees is still in the process of being finalized. The source noted that the final decision would be made following a meeting between the Sports Minister and the selection committee. “A final list is to be out, and we are in the process of finalizing it in a couple of days. It’s a recommendation, and the final list always comes out with the approval of the minister,” the source said. The meeting is expected to take place shortly, with the finalized list anticipated soon after.
Bhaker, however, has chosen to focus on the bigger picture. Her statement reflects her maturity and commitment to her craft, reaffirming her goal of excelling at future competitions. “Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country,” she declared. Bhaker’s focus on her performance rather than external recognition has garnered widespread admiration, with many praising her professionalism and dedication.
This controversy also sheds light on broader issues within the Indian sports ecosystem, particularly the processes involved in recognizing and rewarding athletes. Bhaker’s exclusion has sparked conversations about the need for greater transparency and accountability in award nominations. Many have called for reforms to ensure that deserving athletes are not overlooked and that the selection process remains unbiased and inclusive.
As the final decision regarding the Khel Ratna nominations is awaited, Bhaker remains steadfast in her resolve to continue representing India on the global stage. Her unwavering focus on her goals, even in the face of controversy, serves as an inspiration to her peers and aspiring athletes across the country. Bhaker’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination that define the spirit of Indian athletes.
