After Manu Bhaker's name was missing from the initial list of Khel Ratna award recommendations, there was a lot of backlash. It is now reported that her name will likely be added to the final list after Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya decides in the next few days. 

The initial list for the prestigious award included Harmanpreet Singh, captain of India's men's hockey team, and Praveen Kumar, a para high jump gold medalist at the Paris Paralympics. Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, was expected to be included, but her absence caused a major backlash.

The sports ministry and the 12-member awards committee faced criticism after Bhaker's name was left out of the initial list. However, a ministry official clarified, stating, "This is not the final list; there is a process involved," hinting that Bhaker’s name could still be added in the coming days.

The awards selection committee is led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V Ramasubramanian. It includes former women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, boxer Vijender Singh, and cricket legend Anil Kumble, among others. The committee reviews the applications submitted but can also discuss names that are not on the list if needed.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Monday wrote to Secretary-Sports, Sujata Chaturvedi, requesting that the ministry consider Manu Bhaker for the Khel Ratna on "exceptional grounds."

NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo told HT, "We're not sure if she applied or not, but if she did, the committee had no reason to overlook her. If she didn’t apply, the committee couldn't act. We hope the ministry understands our perspective and grants her the award she truly deserves."

What Manu Bhaker said 

Manu Bhaker spoke about the issue for the first time on Tuesday. She said, "Regarding my Khel Ratna nomination, I want to clarify that as an athlete, my focus is on playing and performing for my country. Awards motivate me, but they are not my main goal. I think there was a mistake, possibly on my part, while submitting the nomination, and it's being fixed. No matter the award, I will continue to be motivated to win more medals for my country. Please don't speculate about this."

Bhaker won bronze medals in the 10m air pistol individual and 10m air pistol mixed team events (with Sarabjot Singh) at the Paris Olympics.