The coach of double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, Jaspal Rana, has blasted the National Rifle Association of India, the Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India for “ignoring” his ward’s qualifications for the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. “I’ll hold them all accountable. How is it possible to claim that Manu didn’t apply? Being the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics, she created history. Her name ought to have appeared on its own. Are those in charge unaware of Manu Bhaker’s identity and qualifications? “This humiliation could potentially hinder her progress,” Rana said in an interview with PTI Videos.
The national coach believed that the “new requirement” that athletes must apply directly for the prizes was somewhat degrading and not in the best interests of sports.
Athletes can self-nominate under ministry guidelines rather than depending on federations and other organizations. However, names that may not be among the applicants may be taken into consideration by the selection committee.
Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, asserted that the child had followed the proper procedures, despite the ministry’s assertion that Bhaker had not applied for the award.
“It’s very terrible. Why should a top athlete submit an application or make an award request? It should be easy and natural to win awards. How is it possible to ignore it? “Some system must be in place,” Rana said.
“Are all athletes able to apply? Is it reasonable that only athletes are eligible to apply? The coach questioned, “Why not the ministry, the Sports Authority of India, or the Federation?”
The 12-member prize selection committee’s suggestions will be decided by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, according to a ministry source who previously informed PTI that Manu’s name will probably appear on the final list.
“At this time, there is no definitive list of nominees. In a day or two, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will make a decision on the proposals, and her name will probably be on the final list, the source stated.
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