The Sports Ministry is reportedly preparing to nominate double Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, following public outrage over her exclusion from the initial recommendation list. Reports indicate that the ministry may use its executive powers under the National Sports Day awards scheme to rectify the situation.
In August, Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics edition, securing bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events. Her omission sparked shock and criticism, with her family asserting that her application was duly submitted.
A ministry official stated that no final list of nominees has been released yet and that Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is likely to include Bhaker’s name in the final decision. The 12-member award selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian, includes former athletes like Rani Rampal.
While ministry norms permit athletes to self-nominate, Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, expressed disappointment over the bureaucratic oversight, emphasizing her consistent efforts to apply for national honors. “Despite her historic Olympic achievements, she has been overlooked. The committee should consider her based on merit,” he said, adding that this discouragement reflects poorly on India’s treatment of its Olympic athletes.
The ministry is expected to finalize its recommendations soon, potentially resolving the controversy surrounding Bhaker’s recognition.
