No Khel Ratna for Manu Bhaker? Officials say Paris Olympics double medallist ‘didn’t apply’; family reacts

In a surprising move, Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker isn't among the sportspersons nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, according to reports. Manu Bhaker, who suffered a pistol malfunction at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, returned with two bronze medals in shooting in the Paris Olympics 2024.

According to a Times of India report, sports ministry officials stated that Manu Bhaker didn't apply for the country's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. However, sources close to her family denied the claim, stating that the 22-year-old had sent her application. Having suffered a pistol malfunction at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, Manu Bhaker returned strongly during the Paris Olympics 2024.

She first claimed the bronze medal in the women's 10-metre air pistol event, thus becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. A few days later, Manu Bhaker was again on the podium as a part of the women's mixed 10-metre air pistol team alongside fellow teammate Sarabjot Singh.

In the process, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian post-independence to win two medals at a single Olympics. She could have won a third medal had she not finished fourth in the women's 25-meter pistol final.

Harmanpreet, Praveen among Khel Ratna nominees

Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Singh, who led the Indian men's hockey team to a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics 2024, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, a gold medallist in the men's high jump T64 class, were among the nominees for Khel Ratna, as per the recommendation of a 12-member selection committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian.

Notably, Harmanpreet was also part of the Indian team that won bronze in Tokyo. Known as one of the most dangerous drag-flickers in hockey currently, Harmanpreet has won the FIH Player of the Year a record three times. He led India to an Asian Games triumph last year and was part of India's successful campaigns in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (silver) and the 2018 Asian Games (bronze).

On the other hand, Praveen Kumar has emerged as India's top para high jumper. The 21-year-old cleared 2.08m to win gold in Paris, securing his second consecutive Paralympic medal. He had previously won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with a clearance of 2.07m, setting an Asian record.

Interestingly, India cricketer Mohammed Shami was awarded the Arjuna Award last year despite not applying for it, following the insistence of the BCCI. The National Sports Day awards committee took suo moto cognizance and honoured Shami for his achievements.

Similarly, if Bhaker did not apply, the selection committee could still exercise suo moto cognizance to honour her for her exceptional performances at the Paris Olympics and before.

Earlier, in a social media post, Manu Bhaker asked his fellow fans whether she deserved a Khel Ratna award. Along with a picture of her flaunting two medals from the Paris Olympics, Bhaker wrote, “Tell me, Do I deserve Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award? Thank You.”

However, soon after posting the message, Bhaker received backlash from the netizens, forcing her to delete it.