Uttar Pradesh: After the Ministry of Sports announced Khel Ratna award to Manu Bhaker which will be conferred on January 17 to him along with 43 other sports person and coaches, a anew debate on the transparency of the selection process have begin, with Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh raising concerns about ‘favouritism’ in the award nominations.
Talking to the reporters Sanjay Singh said that Bhaker’s name was included only after the outrage that erupted when her name was not included initially. He claimed that deserving athletes are sometimes overlooked in favour of candidates with influential backing.
He also said that the officials discuss who to award Bharat Ratna or Khel Ratna. “You must have seen Manu Bhaker’s name was not there even after winning two medals and after the movement was started she did get included…Officials sit and try to include their favourite people in the list of Khel Ratna,” Singh said.
He also addressed the current state of wrestling in India, which has faced challenges recently but remains hopeful for its future.
“Wrestling was a bit disturbed right now, but in the future, it will receive more medals,” he added.
Manu Bhaker’s recognition came following her consistent performances on the international stage.
The 21-year-old shooter opened India’s medal tally in the Olympics after she secured third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the first-ever woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for India. Following that, Sarabjot Singh and Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event, which was India’s first-ever shooting team medal.
Though, her inclusion in the Khel Ratna Award list is being celebrated by fans and fellow athletes alike, even as the controversy surrounding the selection process raises questions about fairness.