Manu Bhaker has been India’s top athlete at the Paris Olympics 2024. The shooter earned two bronze medals. One each for women’s 10m air pistol and mixed 10m air pistol teams. She missed out on her major event, coming fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event. The young shooter became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal for shooting. The first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic Games after independence.
Since returning from Paris, she has been known as India’s Golden Girl. The shooter was greeted enthusiastically by supporters at Delhi International Airport. Following her momentous victory, her brand worth has increased. Before returning to India from Paris, Manu received numerous offers worth crores. She has been in high demand for numerous advertising companies. She has been approached by 40 companies. Amidst this, there has been a controversial decision surrounding her.
The Indian government will present the coveted Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to recognise and honour the achievements of these athletes, as it does every year, and several nominees have already been announced. Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the India men’s hockey team and an expert drag-flicker, has been recommended for India’s highest sporting accolade. Harmanpreet led India to bronze medals in men’s hockey at the Paris Olympics.
Bhaker’s Record Overlooked Intentionally
Para-athlete Praveen Kumar has also been nominated for the Khel Ratna Award. Praveen won gold in the men’s high jump T64 class at the Paris Paralympics, setting an Asian record. In a startling change of events, India’s shooter and double-medal winner Manu Bhaker’s name is not among those recommended for the Khel Ratna. According to the Times of India, officials from the sports ministry confirmed that Bhaker did not apply for the prize.
However, the story cited a source who stated that Manu’s family confirmed that she had submitted her application. If an athlete does not register for the award, the selection committee may make a suo moto decision based on the athlete’s achievements. She was 16 years old and became the youngest Indian to win gold in the World Cup in 2018.
