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Manu Bhaker, the rising star of Indian shooting, was awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Friday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The award ceremony took place on the occasion of the National Sports Awards 2024. Bhaker was one of the four recipients of this highest sporting honor in India, alongside Harmanpreet Singh, D Gukesh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar.
An Awkward Moment Before the Award
As Bhaker was about to receive the Khel Ratna, a small awkward moment occurred. While her achievements were being read out, Bhaker took a couple of steps toward President Droupadi Murmu but realized the announcer wasn’t done with her introduction. She quickly paused, smiled, and waited a few more seconds before walking forward to receive her award. The light-hearted moment showcased her humility and grace under pressure.
Achievements at the Tokyo Olympics
Manu Bhaker, at just 22 years old, has already made history in Indian sports. She became the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal by securing two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Bhaker’s exceptional performance made her the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.Despite narrowly missing a third medal by finishing fourth in the women’s 25m air pistol event, Bhaker's journey has been an inspiration to many young athletes across the country. Her success continues to shine as a beacon of hope for the future of Indian sports.
President #DroupadiMurmu presents the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award to shooter @realmanubhaker at the National Sports Awards 2024. #Shooting #NationalSportsAwards @Media_SAI @IndiaSports pic.twitter.com/OruucHTX3p
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 17, 2025
Significance of the Khel Ratna Award
Receiving the Khel Ratna Award is a major milestone in Bhaker’s career and an acknowledgment of her dedication and hard work. The award, presented by the President, is the highest recognition for Indian athletes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials have often highlighted how awards like this play a crucial role in motivating athletes to continue achieving excellence in their respective fields.
Support from Government Initiatives
Bhaker's success has also been attributed to the support she has received through various government schemes, like the FAME-2 scheme. These initiatives have provided athletes like Bhaker with the tools and resources they need to excel. With her bright future ahead, Bhaker remains a key figure in India’s growing sporting legacy.
