NEW DELHI: Manu Bhaker‘s name going missing from the recommendation list for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award is not the first instance of its kind.
Manu created history at the Paris Olympics earlier this year after clinching back-to-back bronze medals in the women’s individual 10m air pistol and in the mixed team event partnering Sarabjot Singh, cementing her place as one of the greatest Indian athletes in Olympic sports.
The 22-year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district became the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics since India attained independence.
But Manu’s name was omitted from the list of athletes recommended for the Khel Ratna as the 12-member selection committee failed to take cognisance of her incredible achievements during the awards cycle period, where she won several medals at major multi-sport and international events.
But after a huge furore, the Sports Ministry is now considering nominating Manu’s name for the country’s highest sporting honour by using its executive powers vested in the provisions of the National Sports Day awards scheme.
Last year, Mohammed Shami was nominated for the Arjuna Award only after a special request was made by the Indian cricket board (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to the Sports Ministry. The India pacer’s name originally didn’t feature in the list of the country’s second-highest sporting honour.
Shami was one of the architects of India’s runner-up finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. In the final, India lost to Australia.
Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup, with 24 wickets to his name from seven outings.
After sitting out the first four games, Shami shone bright when given the opportunity, claiming 24 wickets at an average of just 5.26.
But an exception was made for Shami to receive the Arjuna Award in 2023. Typically, athletes are required to submit applications to be considered for the award.
However, in Shami’s case, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) decided to waive the application requirement due to his extraordinary performances in the ODI World Cup.
Shami’s significant contribution to India’s success in the World Cup was deemed sufficient to merit the award without the formal application process.
But when Shami didn’t feature in the list, the BCCI had to request the Sports Ministry to include the pacer’s name.
This exception underscored how extraordinary achievements can lead to deviations from standard protocols.