Manu Bhaker on Not Getting Khel Ratna Award: 'Performing for Country is My Goal'

Indian shooter and double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has expressed her desire to perform for her country, saying that getting an award or recognition is not her primary goal. The 22-year-old pistol ace's name was surprisingly not shortlisted for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award despite applying for it.

Taking to social media platform X, Manu wrote: "Regarding the ongoing issue with my nomination for the 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 keep me motivated but are not my goal."

"I believe there has been a lapse, possibly 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," Manu added. "I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this matter."

Manu's comments come after her father expressed disappointment over her name not included in the award list. Ram Kishan Bhaker told The Times of India that he spoke to his daughter, who was disheartened by the situation.

"She told me, 'I shouldn't have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn't have become a sportsperson'," Ram Kishan said.

Manu had created history at the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming India's first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics with her bronze-winning shows in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events.