Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker is reportedly excluded from the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award nominees, leaving the 22-year-old shooter deeply disheartened, according to her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker. Manu, who made history by becoming the first Indian athlete post-independence to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, feels her efforts have been overlooked.

In the Paris Olympics this year, Manu won bronze in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event and secured another bronze in the mixed team category alongside Sarabjot Singh. Despite these groundbreaking achievements, the lack of recognition has left her questioning her career choice. Her father revealed in an interview with The Times of India that Manu expressed regret about her journey, stating, “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn’t have become a sportsperson.”

Ram Kishan Bhaker expressed his disappointment, highlighting the disparity in recognition between athletes in different sports. He mentioned that he now regrets introducing Manu to shooting instead of cricket, which he believes would have guaranteed her greater accolades and awards. “If she were a cricketer, all the recognition would have come her way. She won two Olympic medals in a single edition—something no one has ever done. What more can my child do for the country?” he remarked, urging the government to acknowledge her achievements.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Sports Ministry has not finalized the list of nominees yet. There is still hope that Manu’s name could be included. Other athletes reportedly in the running for the Khel Ratna include Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who led the men’s team to an Olympic bronze, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who won gold in the high jump T64 category.