No Khel Ratna for Manu Bhaker, Double Medalist from the Paris Olympics?

Manu Bhaker, a double gold at the Paris Olympics, is reportedly not one of the athletes nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, which is an unexpected choice. After suffering a pistol malfunction at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker returned earlier this year with two bronze medals in the shooting competition in Paris.

Sports ministry officials said Bhaker did not apply for the nation's top athletic honor, according to a report. The 22-year-old did submit her application, according to people close to her family, who refuted the story. After experiencing a pistol malfunction during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker recovered well in Paris.

After winning the bronze in the women's 10 meter air pistol even, she became the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. Alongside partner Sarabjot Singh, Bhaker was on the podium again a few days later as a member of the women's mixed 10 meter air pistol team.

As a result, Bhaker became the first Indian to win two medals at an Olympics since independence. If the Indian hadn't placed fourth in the women's 25-meter pistol final, she might have brought home a third medal.

Harmanpreet Singh, who led the Indian men's hockey team to a bronze medal in Paris, and para athlete Praveen Kumar, a gold medalist in men's high jump T64 class, were among the nominees for Khel Ratna.

Praveen has progressively ascended to become the country's premier para high jumper. The 21-year-old cleared 2.08m in the final to win gold in Paris, his second consecutive Paralympic medal. Praveen earned silver in Tokyo with a 2.07m clearing, which set an Asian record.

Last year, India cricketer Mohammed Shami did not apply for the Arjuna Award. However, at the BCCI's request, the National Sports Day awards committee took suo moto cognizance and awarded the India pacer with the prize.

Similarly, if Bhaker had not applied, the selection committee may use suo moto cognizance to recognize the Indian shooter for her remarkable exploits in Paris and previous performances.

In a previous social media post, Bhaker asked his admirers if she deserved the Khel Ratna Award. Along with a photo of herself wearing two gold from the Paris Olympics, Bhaker said, "Tell me, do I deserve Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award? "Thank you.

However, shortly after the post, Bhaker faced outrage from netizens, prompting her to delete it.