Manu Baker: ‘I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics if I wanted to win a medal’: heartbroken father

Manu Bhaker, India’s ace shooter who made history by winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is saddened by Khel Ratna’s cold treatment. Manu claims that he submitted his name to the award’s online portal but was not shortlisted among the 30 shortlisted candidates. Manu, the country’s first athlete to win two medals at the same Olympics, was understandably disappointed to see her name not considered for the country’s highest sporting honor. There is. In fact, her father says he regrets putting her into sports like shooting. They should have made her a cricketer instead.

Manu Baker’s father, in an interview with the Times of India, harshly criticized the sports ministry and the committee that is finalizing the list of Khel Ratna candidates. The ministry says Manu did not submit his name as a candidate for the award, but the gunman disputes this.

“I regret introducing her to the sport of shooting. I should have made her a cricketer instead. All the awards and honors would have been given to her. She won two Olympic medals. No one has ever done that.” What else do I expect my child to do for the country? The government should recognize her efforts. I think so. When I spoke to Manu, she said, “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won a medal.” country. In fact, I shouldn’t have become an athlete,” Manu’s father told this newspaper.

It is also reported that Manu posted his name on a web portal. The Ministry of Sports and the federation are said to be in talks to fully understand the issue.

“Manu said that she had applied on the portal. If so, the committee would have considered her name. Whatever the situation, the federation will approach the ministry and put her name on the official list. “We requested that,” the official said.

Manu has also reportedly applied for Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the third and fourth highest civilian awards in the country, respectively. According to the paper, the application was submitted to the Padma Awards portal on September 15.