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Manu Bhaker, a prominent Indian shooter and two-time Olympic medalist, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. This significant accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of sports. The award ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, saw Bhaker alongside other celebrated athletes including World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Para Athlete Praveen Kumar, all receiving the coveted honor from President Draupadi Murmu. Bhaker's journey to this point has been one of remarkable resilience and skill, marked by both triumphant victories and setbacks that have only strengthened her resolve.
In an interview following the ceremony, Bhaker expressed her deep gratitude for receiving the Khel Ratna Award, emphasizing the profound honor it represents. She stated that the recognition will serve as further inspiration to continue her rigorous training and strive for even greater achievements, aiming to win more medals for India in future competitions. The award comes at a time when Bhaker is preparing for a return to competitive shooting, revealing that she has been engaged in regular training for the past two and a half months. She anticipates participating in upcoming competitions towards the end of the current month and into the following month, signaling her eagerness to re-enter the world of competitive sports.
Bhaker's Olympic career has been marked by both extraordinary success and unfortunate setbacks. She etched her name in Indian sporting history by securing India's first medal at the Olympics, claiming bronze in the women's individual 10m air pistol event. This win made her the first-ever woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for India. Furthermore, she contributed to another historic achievement by teaming up with Sarabjot Singh to win the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event—India's first-ever shooting team medal. While she narrowly missed a historic grand treble, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol event, these successes solidify her status as a pivotal figure in Indian shooting.
However, Bhaker's path to success has not been without its challenges. The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 presented significant difficulties, as a malfunction in her gun during the 10m air pistol qualification round cost her valuable time and ultimately prevented her from qualifying for the final round. This setback highlights the unpredictable nature of high-stakes competition and the immense pressure faced by elite athletes. Despite this disappointment, Bhaker's unwavering commitment to her sport is evident in her dedication to rigorous training and her persistent drive to overcome adversity. Her comeback story, marked by unwavering focus and determination, inspires many aspiring athletes.
Beyond Bhaker's remarkable achievements, the Khel Ratna Award ceremony also celebrated the successes of other exceptional athletes. Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest-ever world chess champion, achieved this incredible feat at the age of 18, making history for India. His victory over China's Ding Liren in the decisive game of the FIDE World Championship match solidified his place as a rising star in the world of chess. Similarly, Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men's hockey team, has led his team to remarkable achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and a nomination for the FIH Player of the Year. His leadership and commitment to the sport have been instrumental in the team's success. Finally, Praveen Kumar, a Para Athlete, added to the nation's pride by winning gold in the Men's High Jump T64 at the Paralympics, showcasing the remarkable talent within the Indian Paralympic team.
The Khel Ratna Award ceremony serves as a powerful testament to the dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent of these athletes. It showcases the diversity of sporting excellence in India and highlights the nation's growing prominence on the global sporting stage. Each recipient's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with unwavering passion and determination. The award not only acknowledges past achievements but also fuels the ambition for future victories, symbolizing India's commitment to supporting and nurturing its sporting heroes.
Source: "Competitions Are...": Manu Bhaker Breaks Silence On Return To Action After Khel Ratna Award