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The omission of Manu Bhaker's name from the Khel Ratna Award recommendations has ignited a controversy, highlighting inconsistencies in the selection process and sparking a debate about fairness and transparency in recognizing athletic achievements. Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooter, achieved a historic feat at the Paris Olympics by winning two bronze medals, making her the first Indian to accomplish this since independence. This remarkable achievement, coupled with other significant wins at various international events throughout the awards cycle, seemingly warranted consideration for the country's highest sporting honor. However, the 12-member selection committee overlooked her accomplishments, leading to widespread criticism and calls for rectifying the oversight.
The case of Manu Bhaker is not an isolated incident. Last year, Mohammed Shami, a prominent Indian cricketer, also faced a similar situation. Despite his crucial role in India's 2023 ODI World Cup run, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker, his name was initially missing from the Arjuna Award list. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened, making a special request to the Sports Ministry, which then made an exception and granted Shami the award. This precedent raises questions about the consistency and objectivity of the selection criteria, particularly when exceptional performances are not automatically acknowledged by the selection committees.
The contrasting treatment of Manu Bhaker and Mohammed Shami underscores the inconsistencies in the award nomination process. While Shami's exceptional performance in the World Cup, though initially overlooked, ultimately led to a special dispensation, Bhaker's equally impressive, if not more groundbreaking, Olympic achievement was entirely ignored by the selection committee. This disparity points to a potential bias or a lack of due diligence in the selection process, questioning the fairness and transparency of the system. The controversy surrounding Bhaker's omission highlights the need for a more robust and transparent framework for selecting athletes for prestigious national awards.
The Sports Ministry's consideration of using its executive powers to nominate Manu Bhaker for the Khel Ratna award reflects an attempt to rectify the oversight and address the public outcry. This action, however, also raises concerns about the potential for political influence and the circumvention of the established selection process. While correcting the injustice done to Bhaker is important, relying on executive intervention sets a concerning precedent that could undermine the credibility of the awards and the integrity of the selection process. A more rigorous and transparent system, with clear guidelines and mechanisms for addressing potential omissions, is crucial to ensure that outstanding athletic achievements are recognized fairly and consistently.
The incidents involving both Bhaker and Shami underscore a deeper issue within the Indian sports awards system. The inconsistencies in application, selection, and special exceptions highlight the need for a comprehensive review of the process. This review should involve a transparent assessment of the criteria, an examination of the selection committee's decision-making process, and the development of a clear mechanism for addressing potential errors or oversights. Furthermore, the review should ensure that the system is equitable, transparent, and free from any undue influence or bias, promoting fairness and celebrating the achievements of all exceptional Indian athletes.
The future of sports awards in India hinges on addressing these concerns effectively. A truly meritocratic system, devoid of arbitrary omissions and special exceptions, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of national sporting honors. The cases of Manu Bhaker and Mohammed Shami should serve as a wake-up call for reform, ensuring that future selections are based solely on objective criteria and a commitment to recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of India's athletes, regardless of individual circumstances or external pressures. Transparency and consistency must be paramount to ensure that these awards continue to serve as a true reflection of excellence in Indian sports.
Source: Manu Bhaker Khel Ratna row: Why exception was made for Mohammed Shami last year