Manu Bhaker's name to be added to Khel Ratna final list after major public outcry? Know latest update

Following the controversy over Manu Bhaker's absence from the initial list of candidates for the prestigious Khel Ratna award, it has been reported that her name is likely to be added in the list. The final decision will be made by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the upcoming days.

The current list includes only Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men's hockey team, and Praveen Kumar, a para high jump athlete who won gold at the Paris Paralympics and silver at the Tokyo Games. Bhaker, who made history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, was expected to be included, leading to significant backlash over her omission.

The sports ministry and the 12-member awards committee faced criticism over the initial list of Khel Ratna award nominees. However, a ministry official clarified this saying, “this is not the final list, there is a process involved.”

The awards selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian, includes notable members such as former women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, and cricket legend Anil Kumble. The committee is responsible for reviewing applications submitted for the awards but also has the authority to discuss names that may not be on the official list if deemed necessary.

On Monday, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) sent a letter to Secretary of Sports, Sujata Chaturvedi, requesting that the ministry consider Manu Bhaker for the Khel Ratna award on “exceptional grounds.”

In an interview with HT, NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo said, “We don’t even know if she applied or not, but if she did, I don’t think the committee had any reason to not consider her. If she didn’t apply, there’s nothing the committee could’ve done. We’re hopeful the ministry understands our point of view and gives her the award she so thoroughly deserves.”

Manu Bhaker’s statement

Taking about the matter publicly on Tuesday, Manu Bhaker said, “With regards to ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award, I would like to state that as an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country. Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my goal. I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected. 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 matter,” Bhaker wrote.

Bhaker secured bronze medals in both the individual 10m air pistol event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event (alongside Sarabjot Singh) at the Paris Olympics.