Indian shooter Manu Bhaker recently found herself in an awkward yet endearing moment as she prepared to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award at the National Sports Awards 2024. This moment, which took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, quickly went viral, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts across the country.
Manu Bhaker’s Reaction Before the Khel Ratna Award
Manu Bhaker, one of the four distinguished athletes honored with India’s highest sporting award, stood poised as her remarkable achievements were being announced. As the announcer read out her accomplishments, including her historic performance at the Paris Olympics where she won two bronze medals, Bhaker took a couple of steps forward in anticipation. However, she realized that the announcer had not yet finished. In a split second, Bhaker halted and flashed a wry smile, amused by her premature move. Moments later, she composed herself and continued walking to receive her Khel Ratna award.
This brief yet charming incident left many onlookers amused, showing Bhaker’s humble and graceful personality, even in the most high-profile of moments. The viral video of this interaction spread like wildfire on social media, quickly becoming a talking point among fans and fellow athletes.
The Stunning Achievements of Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker is no stranger to accolades. At just 22 years old, she has already made history as the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. She bagged two bronze medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events. Bhaker’s incredible consistency and precision in shooting were on full display as she became the first-ever athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.
Despite narrowly missing a third medal in the women’s 25m air pistol event, where she finished fourth, Bhaker’s contribution to Indian shooting remains unmatched. Her exceptional performance at the Olympics cemented her place as one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
Manu Bhaker’s Khel Ratna Award Journey: From Controversy to Recognition
The path to receiving the Khel Ratna award wasn’t entirely smooth for Manu Bhaker. Earlier, there were reports suggesting that Bhaker had not been nominated for the prestigious honor. This led to confusion and a slight controversy when Bhaker’s name did not initially appear in the official list. While sports ministry officials stated that no application had been submitted by Bhaker, her family later clarified that they had indeed applied for her nomination.
Addressing the situation on social media, Bhaker took responsibility for the confusion, admitting there may have been a lapse in the nomination process. She explained, “Awards and recognition keep me motivated but are not my goal. I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination, which is being corrected.”
Fortunately, the issue was resolved, and Bhaker’s name was included in the final list of Khel Ratna awardees, alongside other luminaries like Harmanpreet Singh, D Gukesh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. The recognition was not only a testament to Bhaker’s hard work but also a moment of pride for Indian sports.
Why Manu Bhaker is a Role Model for Young Athletes
Manu Bhaker’s rise to stardom is a remarkable story of perseverance, talent, and humility. As a young athlete, she has set an example for future generations of sportspeople, particularly female athletes in India. Her ability to stay focused amidst challenges, whether it be controversies or the pressure of representing the nation on the world stage, makes her a true role model.
Her journey also highlights the importance of mental resilience in sports. Despite facing early setbacks and criticism, Bhaker continued to push forward and achieved remarkable success. Her story is one of inspiration, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s viral Khel Ratna award moment will be remembered not only for the charming smile she shared but also for the incredible journey she’s had in Indian sports. From overcoming the Khel Ratna nomination controversy to clinching Olympic medals, Bhaker has proven time and again that she is one of the country’s brightest sporting stars. As fans celebrate her well-deserved honor, we can only expect even greater achievements from this young shooting prodigy in the future.
Watch the viral moment of Manu Bhaker’s wry smile as she receives the Khel Ratna award—it’s the perfect blend of grace and humility that has made her a fan favorite!
