India's highest sports award, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, has been at the center of a storm after Olympic medalist Manu Bhakar's name was not included in the initial nomination list. The 22-year-old shooter's omission has sparked outrage, with her family and supporters questioning the decision.
Reacting to the controversy, Bhakar told reporters, “I think I deserve it. Let the country decide.”
This August, Bhakar etched her name in history, becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition — bronze in both the 10m air pistol singles and mixed team events. But, her groundbreaking performance has not been recognized by the committee that oversees the awards.
Her father Ram Kishan Bhakar expressed her grief. In a Times of India report, he was quoted as saying, “She told me, 'I should not have gone to the Olympics or won medals for the country. I shouldn't have been a player.'” These comments show the frustration of a player whose record-breaking achievements have been overshadowed.
Ram Kishan, a chief engineer in the merchant navy, said her exclusion raised doubts about the selection process. “If such a performance is not worthy of recognition, it is difficult to believe that the committee will function without outside influence,” he told another publication.
The controversy deepened with conflicting reports. While the sports ministry said Bhakar did not apply for the award, her father insisted otherwise. “She has been applying for Khel Ratna and other awards for the past few years. I am sure she applied this time too,” he told PTI, adding that even without an application, her achievements should be enough.
He also lamented the lack of recognition for Olympic Games in India. “Had she been a cricketer, she would have got all the accolades. What else should my child do for this country?
Meanwhile, ministry sources suggested that Bhakar's name will still appear in the final list, which is expected in a few days. “The recommendations will be reviewed and her name is likely to be included,” a source told PTI.
Retired Supreme Court Judge V. The selection committee, headed by Mr. Ramasubramanian, includes prominent sportswomen like hockey star Rani Rampal. But until the final list was announced, questions about Bhakar's removal remained unanswered.