The controversy surrounding champion shooter Manu Bhaker's exclusion from the list of nominated athletes for the Khel Ratna award continues as her coach Jaspal Rana criticizes the Sports Ministry, SAI, and NRAI for 'ignoring' her credentials. This comes after Manu herself addressed the issue, stating there might have been a lapse on her part while applying for the award. However, her coach believes that her name should have automatically been considered due to her historic achievements at the Tokyo Olympics where she became the first Indian to win two medals.
Background:
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honor, bestowed annually upon the most outstanding athlete in the country. The award is based on exceptional performances at international sporting events.
Controversy:
In 2022, Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker was notably absent from the list of nominees for the Khel Ratna award. This exclusion sparked controversy, with her coach Jaspal Rana accusing the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) of "ignoring" her credentials.
Manu Bhaker's Response:
Bhaker herself acknowledged the omission, stating that there might have been a lapse on her part in applying for the award. However, she also expressed disappointment that her name was not considered automatically based on her historic achievements at the Tokyo Olympics.
Coach's Criticism:
Rana, a renowned shooting coach, strongly criticized the authorities for "overlooking" Bhaker's accomplishments. He argued that her performance at the Olympics, where she became the first Indian to win two medals, should have automatically qualified her for the award.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why was Manu Bhaker not nominated for the Khel Ratna award?
Manu Bhaker's name was not included in the list of nominees, sparking controversy and allegations of bias and exclusion.
2. What are the criteria for the Khel Ratna award?
The Khel Ratna award is based on exceptional performances at international sporting events, including Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
3. What are Manu Bhaker's achievements?
At the Tokyo Olympics, Manu Bhaker won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol event and a bronze medal in the mixed 10m air pistol event. She is also a multiple-time medalist at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
4. Why were Manu Bhaker's achievements not considered automatically?
The authorities have not officially stated why Manu Bhaker's achievements were not automatically considered for the Khel Ratna award.
5. What are the next steps for Manu Bhaker and her coach?
Manu Bhaker and her coach have expressed their disappointment and plan to appeal the decision. They believe that her accomplishments at the Tokyo Olympics deserve recognition.
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