Tue Dec 24 11:20:26 UTC 2024: ## Olympic Shooter Manu Bhaker’s Khel Ratna Nomination Snafu Sparks Controversy
**NEW DELHI** – Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker is at the center of a controversy surrounding her nomination for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Initial reports suggested her name was missing from the list of nominees, sparking criticism of the Sports Ministry. However, Bhaker has since stated that a possible lapse in her application process is being rectified.
“As an athlete, my focus is on performance,” Bhaker wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Awards are motivating, but not my ultimate goal. There may have been a lapse in my nomination, which is being addressed. Regardless, I remain committed to winning more medals for my country.”
This explanation contrasts sharply with the statements of her coach, Jaspal Rana, who strongly criticized the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, and the National Rifle Association of India for allegedly overlooking Bhaker’s historic achievement – becoming the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single Games. Rana placed the blame squarely on the organizations, questioning their awareness of Bhaker’s accomplishments and expressing concern that this oversight could negatively impact her future performance. He also criticized the new self-nomination requirement for athletes, deeming it demeaning.
The Sports Ministry initially claimed Bhaker did not apply, but her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, countered this, asserting that she followed the correct procedure. While the ministry’s rules permit self-nomination, the selection committee retains the authority to consider candidates who did not formally apply. The situation remains unresolved as Bhaker’s application is being reviewed.
First Piper 