Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, a young and talented athlete who has made the country proud with her exceptional achievements, has expressed deep disappointment after being left out of the prestigious Khel Ratna Award this year. The Khel Ratna is India’s highest sporting honor, and Bhaker’s exclusion has left her devastated, questioning whether her hard work and accomplishments were truly appreciated by the nation’s sporting authorities.
Manu Bhaker, who rose to prominence after winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Asian Games, has consistently delivered remarkable performances in international shooting competitions. She also made her mark at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she earned a spot in the mixed team event alongside her partner Saurabh Chaudhary. Despite her stellar record, Bhaker’s omission from the list of Khel Ratna nominees has drawn attention, especially considering that the award is usually given to athletes who have made significant contributions to Indian sports.
In an emotional statement, Bhaker expressed her frustration, stating, “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. It feels like my efforts have been taken for granted.” Bhaker, who has brought home numerous accolades for India, including golds at various World Cup events, said that the decision left her feeling disillusioned. “I have dedicated my life to the sport, and to be left out of this prestigious recognition feels like all my hard work has been overlooked,” she said.
The 22-year-old shooter has been one of India’s brightest sporting stars, and her exclusion from the Khel Ratna list has sparked a debate on the criteria for selecting athletes for such honors. Many fans and sports experts have voiced their support for Bhaker, saying that her achievements should have earned her a place among the recipients of the Khel Ratna, especially given her success on the international stage.
While Bhaker has faced criticism over the omission, she remains focused on her career and training. The shooter emphasized that her love for the sport and her passion for representing India on the global stage will continue to drive her forward, despite the setback. “I will keep working hard, as my ultimate goal is to make the country proud,” Bhaker stated.
The Khel Ratna controversy has once again raised important questions about how India honors its athletes and whether the selection process truly reflects the contributions and hard work of athletes like Manu Bhaker. While the decision may have been disheartening for Bhaker, it is clear that her determination to excel in the sport remains unwavering.