Manu Bhaker's Historic Medals: A Call for Fair Recognition in Indian Sports

Manu Bhaker, an Indian shooter, achieved notable success by securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in the same edition. This accomplishment has reignited discussions around her potential recognition with India's highest sporting honor, the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Despite her achievements, the absence of her name from the shortlist of 30 nominees for the award has sparked considerable debate and disappointment among her supporters and family.

Manu’s father, Ram Kishan, expressed deep frustration with the sports ministry and the committee responsible for finalizing the Khel Ratna nominees. Speaking to The Times of India, he lamented the lack of recognition for his daughter's accomplishments, suggesting that had she been a cricketer, the accolades and awards would have been more forthcoming. "If she had been a cricketer, all the awards and praises would have come her way," he stated, highlighting a perceived disparity in recognition between different sports.

Despite the significant achievements that have propelled Manu Bhaker into the limelight, her father pointed out the irony in having to seek recognition for victories on behalf of the nation. Over the past few years, Manu has applied for various honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and the Khel Ratna, armed with substantial evidence of her achievements. Yet, there seems to be a disconnect in how her contributions are valued, as indicated by her omission from the award nomination list.

The selection committee, led by former Supreme Court Justice V. Ramasubramanian, submitted the nominations for various awards, including the Arjuna, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, and Dhyan Chand awards to the government. Unfortunately, Manu Bhaker's name was reportedly not included, leading to widespread speculation and disappointment among her fans and supporters.

This oversight has not only sparked a conversation about the criteria and processes for award nominations but has also raised questions about the value placed on different sports within India. Despite achieving historic feats in a global arena, Manu Bhaker's struggle for recognition at home underscores a broader issue of sports recognition beyond cricket, the nation's most beloved game.

In light of these developments, the sports community and fans across the nation are keenly watching to see whether justice will be served in recognizing Manu Bhaker's outstanding contributions to Indian sports. The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of the need for equal appreciation and acknowledgment of achievements across all sports disciplines, ensuring that athletes receive the respect and honor they rightfully deserve.