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Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna Controversy: Double Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker has addressed the controversy surrounding her omission from this year's Khel Ratna awardees list, acknowledging a lapse on her part in filing the nomination for the prestigious National Sports Awards. Bhaker, who holds the distinction of being the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games, found herself at the center of debate after her exclusion raised eyebrows.

The 22-year-old shooting champion took to social media to clarify her position after the sports ministry intervened in an attempt to mitigate the situation. Bhaker explained the circumstances surrounding her nomination process, emphasizing that the oversight was unintentional and that she respects the selection committee's decisions.

"With regards to ongoing issue for my nomination for the most prestigious Khel Ratna award -- I would like to state that as an athlete my role is to play and perform for my country.

"I believe there has been a lapse, maybe on my part while filing for the nomination which is being corrected," Bhaker wrote on X.

"Awards and recognition keeps me motivated but are not my goal," she stated.

"Irrespective of the award I shall remain motivated to win more medals for my country. It is a request to everyone, please do not speculate on this," she expressed.

Earlier this year, Bhaker found herself at the center of a controversy after posting on social media, questioning whether she deserved the Khel Ratna Award. The post drew backlash, with critics deeming it inappropriate, leading Bhaker to delete it.

Despite the controversy, the absence of her name from the list of nominees has sparked widespread disappointment among her supporters.The 22-year-old shooter's performance in Paris was a culmination of years of determination and perseverance, especially after enduring the heartbreak of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction derailed her campaign.

Many had doubted her ability to bounce back, but Bhaker silenced her critics with a stunning comeback in Paris.

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