No Khel Ratna for Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker? Officials say ace shooter ’didn’t apply’, family denies

In a surprising move, Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker isn’t among the sportspersons nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, according to reports. Bhaker, who suffered a pistol malfunction at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, returned with two bronze medals in shooting in Paris earlier this year.  

Based on a TOI report, sports ministry officials stated that Bhaker didn’t apply for the country’s highest sporting honour. However, sources close to her family denied the claim stating the 22-year-old did send her application.