Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has responded to the controversy surrounding her exclusion from the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award nominees. The Paris Olympics medalist clarified her stance, explaining that while awards are motivational, they are not her primary objective.
“As an athlete, my role is to play and perform for my country,” Bhaker said in a statement. She emphasized that while awards and recognition are inspiring, they do not define her journey. Bhaker also acknowledged the possibility of an issue in the nomination process and assured that efforts are being made to address it.
Reports from the Sports Ministry indicated that Bhaker had not applied for the award. However, her father, Ram Kishan, disputed this, claiming that the nomination had been submitted but no response was received.
Despite the controversy, Bhaker maintained that her focus remains on her performance. “Irrespective of the award, I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country,” she said, urging people to avoid unnecessary speculation.
The 12-member National Sports Day committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian, did not include Bhaker in the list of nominees. Among those nominated were Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar.
Bhaker’s statement underscores her determination to prioritize her sporting career over external recognition, as she remains committed to representing India on the global stage.
Her father, Ram Kishan, voiced his frustration, questioning the treatment of athletes despite their accomplishments. “What’s the point of winning two medals in a single Olympics if you have to beg for awards?” he remarked. He also expressed his concern about the decision-making process within the committee.
A source from the Sports Ministry noted that the final list of nominees has yet to be processed, with a meeting scheduled with the sports minister in the coming days.
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