Manu Bhaker Devastated After Khel Ratna Exclusion: ‘I Shouldn’t Have Gone to the Olympics’
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, has expressed profound disappointment after being left off the Khel Ratna shortlist, despite her exceptional performance. Manu Bhaker’s exclusion from the prestigious list of 12 nominees has sparked outrage, with fans and sports enthusiasts questioning the fairness of the Khel Ratna award selection process.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honor in India, awarded annually to athletes who have demonstrated excellence in sports. Despite making history by becoming the first Indian athlete of the Independence era to win multiple Olympic medals in a single edition, Bhaker’s name was conspicuously absent from the official Khel Ratna nominations.
A Historic Olympic Achievement—But No Recognition
In Paris 2024, Manu Bhaker secured two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and mixed 10m air pistol events, elevating her status as one of India’s finest shooters. Bhaker’s success at the Olympics was even more remarkable considering she narrowly missed out on a third medal in the 25m pistol event, finishing in fourth place. Despite such extraordinary achievements, Manu Bhaker’s exclusion from the Khel Ratna shortlist has led many to question how such decisions are made.
Historically, after the Tokyo Olympics 2020, all Indian athletes who won medals—seven in total—were honored with the Khel Ratna Award, including stars like Neeraj Chopra and Lovlina Borgohain. Yet, Bhaker, whose Olympic performance was nothing short of historic, found herself excluded from the list, despite her multiple wins across several international events.
The Heartbreak of Manu Bhaker and Her Family
Upon hearing the news of her exclusion, Manu Bhaker was left heartbroken, with her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, sharing her dismay with the media. In an emotional conversation, Manu reportedly told him, “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn’t have become a sportsperson.” These words from the young athlete reflect the immense disappointment she feels after years of dedication to her sport.
Her father, deeply upset by the turn of events, also called for the Indian government to recognize his daughter’s efforts. “The government must acknowledge her sacrifices and achievements. She has worked tirelessly, and this exclusion is painful for all of us,” he stated in an interview with The Times of India.
Why Was Manu Bhaker Left Out?
Many have pointed out that Manu Bhaker’s omission from the Khel Ratna shortlist defies logic, especially given the incredible medal tally she has amassed between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Apart from her Olympic bronze, Bhaker has won 17 gold medals, six silver, and five bronze across prestigious shooting events such as the Shooting World Championship, Shooting World Cup, and the Asian Games 2023. Her accolades extend beyond the Olympics, underscoring her status as one of India’s top shooting athletes.
Despite applying for the award, Bhaker was not shortlisted among the final nominees. Only two athletes from the Paris Olympics—Harmanpreet Singh (hockey) and Praveen Kumar (para-athletics)—made it to the Khel Ratna list. This has raised concerns about how the award criteria are being applied and whether deserving athletes like Bhaker are being overlooked.
Public Outcry and Demand for Fairness
The exclusion of Manu Bhaker has sparked significant backlash on social media and within the sports community. Many are questioning why athletes with lesser achievements have been recognized while Bhaker’s extraordinary Olympic success has been disregarded. Public figures, including sports commentators and fans, have voiced their frustration, demanding a review of the Khel Ratna selection process.
Sports experts have emphasized that Bhaker’s contributions to Indian sports should not be ignored. Given that India has won multiple Olympic medals in shooting in recent years, Bhaker’s exclusion represents a serious oversight. Fans are now rallying behind the athlete, urging the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to reconsider her candidacy and give her the Khel Ratna Award she rightfully deserves.
The Khel Ratna Award Process: A Closer Look
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is typically given to athletes who demonstrate outstanding performance in their sport. However, the nomination process remains somewhat opaque, with many questioning the subjectivity of the criteria used to evaluate nominees. In the past, athletes like Neeraj Chopra and P.V. Sindhu were honored after winning medals at the Olympics, setting a precedent that many expected Bhaker to follow. Yet, her omission has left much to be desired in terms of fair recognition for her accomplishments.
While the Khel Ratna selection process remains unchanged, the controversy surrounding Bhaker’s exclusion calls for a broader review to ensure that athletes are equitably recognized for their contributions to Indian sports.
Conclusion: Manu Bhaker Deserves Recognition
Manu Bhaker’s Khel Ratna exclusion is a story of frustration for both the athlete and her fans. It highlights the challenges Indian athletes face in being fairly recognized, despite their exceptional achievements. Manu Bhaker, with her Paris Olympics medals and world-class shooting record, deserves the recognition that the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna represents.
This incident serves as a reminder that India’s athlete recognition system must evolve to ensure fair treatment for all, especially for athletes who make history on the international stage.