- Manu Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, criticizes the government after his daughter is ignored for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
- He questions India’s commitment to sports and advises parents to prioritize careers in education over Olympic sports.
- Manu’s coach calls out authorities for undermining her record-breaking achievements at the Paris Olympics.
Why Was Manu Bhaker Overlooked for Khel Ratna?
Manu Bhaker, a double medallist at the Paris Olympics, created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to secure two Olympic medals in the same edition. Despite such a groundbreaking performance, her achievements were ignored when it came to this year’s Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sports honor. This unexpected omission has triggered backlash from her father and coach.
Ram Kishan Bhaker, her father, voiced his disappointment by stating that encouraging Manu to pursue sports might have been a mistake. He urged parents to steer their children toward careers in education, such as becoming IAS or IPS officers, which he claims offer better respect and recognition than Olympic sports.
Manu’s coach, Jaspal Rana, echoed similar sentiments, criticising the Sports Ministry and related authorities for this glaring oversight. He pointed out that Manu’s achievements should have automatically qualified her for the award and warned that this dismissal could impact her motivation and career.
Is India Truly Ready for the 2036 Olympics?
Ram Kishan Bhaker raised a troubling question about India’s future in sports, especially in light of the country’s plans to host the 2036 Olympics. “Where will the athletes come from if the system itself discourages them?” he asked, reflecting a sentiment that many aspiring athletes might feel.
Such incidents highlight the need to address systemic issues in recognizing and encouraging athletes who dedicate their lives to representing the nation. If top-tier performers like Manu Bhaker feel undervalued, it may discourage others from choosing sports as a career, ultimately impacting India’s global presence in athletics.
What Next?
Manu Bhaker’s snub serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and sports authorities to reassess how talent and achievements are recognized. It also raises an important question for the nation: Can we truly build a culture of sportsmanship without giving due respect to our athletes?
For Manu and her supporters, this may be a setback, but it can also be a rallying cry to ensure that the spotlight remains firmly on building a better system for future athletes. Let Manu’s story be a turning point, pushing for a fairer and more supportive sports ecosystem.
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