Manu Bhaker can get Khel Ratna, Sports Ministry replied; Final list has not been decided
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker: Young Manu Bhaker had created history by winning two bronze medals in shooting for India in Paris Olympics 2024. Then he won the first medal in the 10 meter air pistol event and the second medal in the 10 meter air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh. She became the first Indian female player to win two medals in the same Olympics. Amid reports of Bhakar being ignored for the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award this year, a top source in the Sports Ministry has said that the names have not been finalized yet and his name will be in the list when the awards are revealed in a week.
Manu’s name likely to be in the final list
A source in the Sports Ministry said that the final list has not been decided yet. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will take a decision on this in a day or two and there is every possibility of Manu’s name being in the final list. The 12-member award committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramam, also includes former players including former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal. Under the ministry’s rules, players are also allowed to fill their nominations themselves. The committee may also consider those names which have not applied. The ministry claimed that Manu had not applied.
Manu’s father said – he has applied
While on the other hand Manu Bhakar’s father Ramkishan Bhakar said that he has applied. He said that Olympic Games have no importance in India as Manu was ignored for the Khel Ratna award despite winning two Olympic medals. What is the use of playing for the country and winning medals when you have to spread your hands for respect. She has been continuously applying for all the awards for the last two-three years and I am a witness to this. This includes Khel Ratna, Padmabhi and Padmabhushan awards.
Harmanpreet may get Khel Ratna
It is understood that the committee has recommended the names of Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, who won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, and para athlete Praveen Kumar, who won the gold medal in the high jump T64 category in the Paralympics, for Khel Ratna. Apart from these, it has also been recommended to give Arjuna Award to 30 players.
(Input-PTI)
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