Manu Bhaker Responds Gracefully to Khel Ratna Snub
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been at the center of a storm after being excluded from the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award nominations, despite her impressive achievements in the sport. In a candid reaction, Bhaker admitted to a “lapse on my part” for not being included in the list of nominees, sparking widespread debate and reactions across the sporting community.
The Khel Ratna Controversy
The Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, is given to athletes who have excelled in their respective sports, and it holds significant value in the sporting world. Bhaker, who has consistently impressed with her performances on the global stage, particularly in shooting events, was widely expected to be nominated for this honor after her remarkable successes, including multiple medals at the World Cup and other prestigious competitions.
However, when the list of nominations for the Khel Ratna was announced, Bhaker was notably absent. This led to an outcry from fans, fellow athletes, and even coaches who questioned why the 22-year-old shooter, who has been a consistent performer for India, was overlooked. Many felt that her exclusion was an injustice, considering her achievements.
Manu Bhaker’s Reaction
In response to the controversy, Manu Bhaker took to Twitter to share her thoughts. She tweeted:
Bhaker’s tweet reflected her maturity and professionalism, as she gracefully acknowledged the situation without bitterness. She maintained that her commitment to her sport and her focus on future performances remain unshaken. Her ability to stay positive in the face of disappointment further endeared her to her supporters, who continued to rally behind her.
Manu Bhaker’s Journey to Success
Manu Bhaker’s journey to the pinnacle of shooting began at a young age, and her rise in the sport has been nothing short of meteoric. Born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker was introduced to shooting at the age of 15. What followed was an inspiring trajectory that would eventually make her one of India’s most accomplished shooters.
Early Years and Rise to Prominence
Bhaker’s passion for sports started in school, where she participated in various competitions. But it was when she took up shooting that her true potential began to shine. Her natural talent and determination saw her quickly rise through the ranks of national competitions, and by 2017, she had earned a place in the Indian national team.
Her breakthrough came at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she claimed gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event at just 16 years old. This victory made her the youngest-ever Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup, catapulting her to international recognition.
Continued Success and International Glory
Bhaker’s international success continued to mount after her first World Cup win. In 2018, she secured two gold medals at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany, and later that year, she became the youngest-ever Commonwealth Games gold medalist in shooting when she triumphed in the 10m air pistol event at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Her record-breaking performance continued with a win at the 2019 ISSF World Cup in Beijing, where she clinched gold again, further solidifying her reputation as one of the brightest stars in the shooting world.
Support from the Sports Community
In the wake of the controversy, several sports personalities and fans voiced their support for Bhaker. Fellow athletes, including other Olympic medalists and coaches, took to social media to highlight Bhaker’s stellar achievements and called for a review of her exclusion. Many pointed out that Bhaker had brought glory to the country and had consistently shown her dedication to the sport, making her a deserving candidate for the Khel Ratna.
Sports fans rallied behind Bhaker as well, with hashtags like #KhelRatnaForManu trending on social media platforms. Her supporters argued that Bhaker’s inclusion in the nominations should have been a given, given her track record in international competitions.
Despite the setback, Manu Bhaker remains one of India’s top shooters, and her focus on future events is unwavering. The controversy has only strengthened her resolve to achieve even greater heights in her career. As Bhaker gears up for upcoming competitions, including the Asian Games and the 2024 Paris Olympics, her focus will remain on perfecting her craft.
Bhaker’s journey from a teenager with raw talent to one of India’s most promising Olympians is a testament to her relentless work ethic and determination. While her absence from the Khel Ratna nominations has sparked controversy, Bhaker’s achievements speak for themselves. She has already made history and continues to push herself to new limits.
Manu Bhaker’s reaction to the Khel Ratna snub, described as a “lapse on my part,” was a testament to her maturity and professionalism. While the controversy has caused a stir, it has also highlighted her accomplishments and her continued commitment to the sport. As she moves forward, Bhaker’s focus remains on achieving more success for India on the global stage, and it is clear that her journey is far from over. She has already proven herself as a champion, and her future looks even brighter.