(Image source from: Instagram.com/bhakermanu)

India's top shooter Manu Bhaker, who made a historic achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics by earning two bronze medals, is devastated over not receiving the Khel Ratna award. Manu claims she had applied for the award online, but her name was not included in the final 30-person shortlist. Manu is the first athlete from the country to win two medals at the same Olympic Games, and she is understandably disappointed that her extraordinary accomplishment was not recognized with the highest sports honor in India. In fact, Manu's father has expressed regret for encouraging her to pursue shooting, stating he wishes he had instead made her a cricketer, as that would have brought her more awards and recognition.

Manu, a celebrated athlete, had won medals for the country but felt disheartened by the lack of recognition. Her father shared that she expressed regret over becoming a sportsperson and participating in the Olympics. It is reported that Manu had submitted her name on the awards portal, and the sports ministry and federation are currently discussing the matter to fully understand the situation. The source mentioned that if Manu had indeed applied, her name should have been considered by the committee. Despite the uncertainty, the federation has approached the ministry to include Manu's name for the prestigious Padma awards, for which she has also reportedly applied.