Netizens' Mixed Reactions pour in as Manu Bhaker Receives Khel Ratna Award

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 22 January 2025

• Shooter Manu Bhaker receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
• Fans applauded while Critics expressed Disappointment
• Manu’s name Initially Missing from Nominee List

Manu Bhaker, the first Indian woman shooter to win two Olympic medals in a single edition, has been conferred with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024. Despite her achievements, some critics expressed disappointment, stating that her performance in other events, such as the 25m air pistol, was not highlighted enough.

She is receiving mixed reactions from netizens. Many fans and sports enthusiasts celebrated her achievements, praising her dedication and hard work. However, some critics expressed disappointment, feeling that her performance in other events, where she narrowly missed a medal, was not highlighted enough.

A few netizens also questioned the integrity of her award on her social media platforms. She was backlashed due to her name initially missing from the nominee list for the Khel Ratna, where her father Ram Kishan Bhaker expressed dissatisfaction and publicly demanded the award. He stated that he should have put Manu in cricket instead of shooting, so she may have had more recognition and accolades. This statement made some fans disappointed and furious.

In addition, during the award ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Manu had a small, awkward moment when she unintentionally crossed the border before the announcer finished reading her achievements. She quickly corrected herself with a wry smile, which added a light-hearted touch to the event.

Manu Bhaker has brought laurels to the nation at the age of 22. She is the first Indian woman shooter to win two Olympic medals in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed 10m air pistol event. Apart from this, she has won seven Asian Championship medals, and 21 World Championships and World Cup medals.

Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on January 17, 2025, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.