NEW DELHI: The absence of India’s star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics, from the list of names recommended for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award has come as a major surprise, with sources telling Timesofindia.com that neither the shooter herself nor the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) applied on her behalf for the country’s top national sports award.
The recommendations have been made by the 12-member selection committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge, Justice V Ramasubramanian.
A source close to the development said that the Bhaker family wants to apply for the Padma Shri, which is the fourth highest civilian award given in recognition for meritorious services in different fields.
“They want to apply for Padma Shri, but (Manu’s) parents must be advised that it’s a separate process,” the source told Timesofindia.com. Calls made to Manu’s parents remained unanswered.
The source further said that even the federation (NRAI) didn’t recommend Manu’s name.
“If the athlete has missed applying for it, it’s the duty of the federation to do that.”
Responding to the situation, the NRAI president, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, told Timesofindia.com that they have gotten in touch with the Sports Ministy and have requested that Manu’s name be included.
“It’s the athlete’s responsibility to apply,” said the NRAI president. “However, after we noticed that her name wasn’t there, we have contacted the Sports Ministry and requested for her name to be included for Khel Ratna.”
Captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, and para high-jumper Praveen Kumar have been recommended for the Khel Ratna. Harmanpreet led India to a bronze-medal finish at the Paris Olympics, while Praveen won T64 class gold with a new Asian record at the Paris Paralympics.
Manu created history for India, becoming the first athlete from the country to win two medals at the same edition of the Olympics (Paris) and also the first female Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal.
Manu won bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and the 10m mixed team event, where she partnered Sarabjot Singh, at the Paris Games held earlier this year.