'Please Do Not Speculate: Double Bronze Medalist Manu Bhaker Issues Statement Over Omission From Khel Ratna Awardees List

Manu Bhaker made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The 22-year-old is the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Bhaker's laurels in shooting earned widespread praise after winning bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team alongside Sarabjot Singh. Shockingly, her name was excluded from the list of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardees list, which sparked a furore over social media. Manu has offered a statement on the raging scenario.

Manu Bhaker Issues Statement After Shocking Snub From Khel Ratna Awardees List, Says Lapse Happened From Her Side

Paris Olympics' double bronze medalist, Manu Bhaker, has offered a statement in the ongoing row over the Khel Ratna awardees list. Bhaker's name was surprisingly missing from the list of Khel Ratna awardees. The Indian shooter admitted that there may have been a lapse from her side while filing for the nomination.

"With regards to ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award -- I would like to state that as an athlete my role is to play and perform for my country. Awards and recognition keeps me motivated but are not my goal.

"I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected. Irrespective of the award I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this matter," Manu Bhaker wrote on 'X' [Formerly Twitter].

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Manu's Father & Coach Fire Off Criticism, Ministry Says List Not Final  

After Manu Bhaker's name was left off the list of the Khel Ratna awardees, her coach Jaspal Rana and father Ramkishan Bhaker have criticized the Sports Ministry and the selection committee for overlooking her despite her enormous achievements in Paris. But the Sports Ministry has revealed that the list is yet to be finalised, and it was also said that she is likely to be there when the names are finally revealed in a few days' time.

The awards selection committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian and also includes former women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, and cricket great Anil Kumble among others.

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[With PTI Inputs]