- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The double Olympic medalist of India Mannu Bhaker on Tuesday said that she will remain more focused towards winning more medals for the country instead of focussing on any award says there may be lapse from her side in appliying for a Khel Ratna award.
The medalist was excluded in the list of nominees of Khel Ratna Award which is the highest paid award in sports category in India.
Her coach Jasprat Rana criticised the sports Ministry of India after her name was excluded from the lists.
Rana said that it should not be the responsibility of a player for such honours, emphasizing that the authorities should ensure recognition for a double Olympic medallist.
Meanwhile Manu Bhaker believes there may have been a lapse on her part while filing the nomination for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, which is currently being “corrected.” She also asserted that awards and recognition are not her goals, but they serve to keep her motivated.
Reacting on the ongoing issue she in a post on X, 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.”
She also wrote that she 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. I kindly request everyone not to speculate on this matter.
However, the officials of the Sports Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) stated on Tuesday, “The list for the National Sports Awards has not been finalised yet, so there is no point in excluding any player’s name at this stage.”
She made history by opening India’s medal tally at the Olympics after securing third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the first-ever woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for India.
