Shots Fired at Sports Ministry Over Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna Controversy A Look Into the Accusations of Favoritism

Manu Bhaker’s Khel Ratna Award sparked controversy over favouritism. Explore her achievements, WFI chief’s comments, and the Sports Ministry’s.

Shots Fired at Sports Ministry Over Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna Controversy A Look Into the Accusations of Favoritism

Manu Bhaker, a young and accomplished shooter, has been a prominent figure in Indian sports for her unparalleled achievements in international competitions. However, a recent controversy surrounding her delayed nomination for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award has raised questions about the procedures and fairness of the selection process. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh alleged favoritism in the Sports Ministry’s decision-making process, making this issue a focal point of national debate.

Shots Fired at Sports Ministry After Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna Controversy: Accusations of Favoritism by WFI Chief

The Prestigious Khel Ratna Award and Its Significance

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, given for outstanding performance in sports and games. Named after hockey legend Dhyan Chand, the award is a recognition of exceptional achievements and contribution to sports in India. For athletes, receiving this award is a career milestone, symbolizing acknowledgment of their dedication and success.

Manu Bhaker, known for her consistency and excellence in shooting, was finally added to the list of recipients for the 2023 Khel Ratna Award after significant controversy and backlash.

Achievements of Manu Bhaker: A Rising Star in Indian Shooting

At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker has an impressive list of accolades, making her one of the most decorated shooters in Indian history.

Olympic Medals:

Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympics by securing a bronze in the 10m air pistol event at Paris 2024.

She also claimed bronze in the 10m pistol mixed team event, making her the first Indian shooter to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.

Asian Games and Championships:

Bhaker has won seven medals in Asian Games and Asian Shooting Championships, showcasing her dominance in the continent.

World Championships and World Cups:

She has secured 21 medals across World Championships and World Cups, a testament to her global consistency.

Youth Olympics:

At the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics, she clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event.

The Khel Ratna Controversy: A Timeline

On January 2, 2023, Manu Bhaker was added to the list of Khel Ratna recipients after a week of confusion and public outcry. Initially, her name was conspicuously missing from the nominations, despite her stellar performances and historic achievements.

WFI Chief’s Allegations

WFI President Sanjay Singh accused the selection process of being riddled with favouritism. In his statement, Singh remarked:

“Officials sit and try to include their favourite people in the list of Khel Ratna.”

This accusation has put a spotlight on the Sports Ministry, questioning whether personal biases influence decisions meant to be based solely on merit.

Bhaker’s Response

Manu Bhaker acknowledged the controversy but admitted a potential lapse on her part that might have contributed to the initial oversight. Her dignified acceptance and focus on her career earned her admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.

Sports Ministry’s Role in the Controversy

The Sports Ministry’s handling of the situation has been criticized for its lack of transparency. While the eventual inclusion of Bhaker in the list was a relief, it exposed flaws in the selection process, including:

Opaque Nomination Process:

The criteria for shortlisting candidates appear subjective, with a lack of clear benchmarks.

Delayed Decision-Making:

The week-long delay caused unnecessary speculation and tarnished the award’s reputation.

Response to Public Pressure:

Bhaker’s inclusion came after significant backlash, raising questions about whether it was a genuine correction or a reaction to negative publicity.

Comparing Khel Ratna Recipients: Bhaker and Others

Other recipients of the 2023 Khel Ratna include:

D Gukesh: A young chess prodigy who has consistently performed at the international level.

Haranpreet Singh: A stalwart in Indian hockey and a key player in the team’s resurgence.

Praveen Kumar: A para-athlete who has brought laurels to India in international events.

While all recipients are deserving, the initial exclusion of Bhaker, with her unparalleled achievements, raises questions about the criteria used for selection.

Manu Bhaker’s Journey: Triumphs and Challenges

Olympic Debut at Tokyo 2020 Bhaker made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 but faced disappointment due to a pistol malfunction. Despite the setback, her resilience and determination stood out, laying the foundation for her comeback at Paris 2024.

Securing Paris 2024 Quota At the 2023 Asian Shooting Championship, Bhaker secured India’s quota for the Paris Olympics by finishing fifth in the 25m pistol event. This achievement highlighted her ability to perform under pressure and deliver results when it matters most.

Inspiration for Young Shooters Manu Bhaker’s success story is a source of inspiration for aspiring shooters. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, focus, and dedication in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

Public and Media Reaction

The controversy surrounding Bhaker’s Khel Ratna nomination sparked widespread reactions:

Support from Fellow Athletes:

Several athletes expressed their solidarity with Bhaker, emphasizing the need for fairness in the selection process.

Media Coverage:

The issue was widely covered in national and international media, drawing attention to the flaws in the award nomination process.

Fan Outrage:

Bhaker’s fans took to social media to voice their disappointment and demand her rightful inclusion in the Khel Ratna list.

Lessons Learned from the Controversy

1. Need for Transparent Selection Processes

The controversy underscores the importance of transparency in award nominations. Clear criteria and an objective evaluation system can prevent such issues in the future.

2. Recognizing Women Athletes

Manu Bhaker’s achievements highlight the contributions of women in Indian sports. Ensuring equal recognition and support for female athletes is essential for promoting gender equality in sports.

3. Celebrating Achievements Without Bias

Awards like the Khel Ratna should reflect the true spirit of sportsmanship, celebrating achievements without being influenced by personal biases or favoritism.

What Lies Ahead for Manu Bhaker

Despite the controversy, Manu Bhaker remains focused on her preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her inclusion in the Khel Ratna recipients list is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her incredible achievements, and she continues to inspire millions with her dedication and talent.

Also read: Tragic Crowd Crush at Tirupati Temple: Analyzing the Incident and Learning Lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was Manu Bhaker initially excluded from the Khel Ratna nominations?

Manu Bhaker’s initial exclusion is believed to be due to procedural oversight and possible biases in the nomination process.

2. How many Olympic medals has Manu Bhaker won?

Manu Bhaker has won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

3. What are Manu Bhaker’s major achievements in shooting?

Manu Bhaker has won 21 World Championships and World Cup medals, 7 Asian Games and Championships medals, and a Youth Olympics gold.

4. Who accused the Sports Ministry of favouritism in the Khel Ratna selection process?

WFI President Sanjay Singh accused the Sports Ministry of favouritism in the award selection process.

5. What other awards has Manu Bhaker received?

In addition to the Khel Ratna, Bhaker has received numerous accolades for her contributions to Indian shooting.

6. How does Manu Bhaker inspire young athletes?

Manu Bhaker’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and excellence, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams with determination.

The Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna controversy has brought to light critical issues within the Indian sports award system. However, Bhaker’s remarkable achievements and her eventual inclusion in the Khel Ratna list remind us of the importance of celebrating true talent. As she gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manu Bhaker continues to be a symbol of excellence and inspiration for Indian sports.

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