Manu Bhaker Under Fire: Has She Crossed The Line With Her Award Plea?
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the recent Paris Olympics now faces backlash for a controversial social media post. In a tweet she later removed on X (Twitter), she asked her followers if she “deserves the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.” This question sparked criticism from social media users.
The post grabbed attention quickly, with many people surprised that a top athlete like Bhaker would make such a public request. Critics called it a PR mistake saying it hurt her achievements and reputation. Some users even wondered if someone had hacked her account doubting she had written the post herself.
Some people stood up for Bhaker saying the criticism was too much and uncalled for, but most reactions were negative. A lot of people thought the post was tasteless particularly from an Olympian who’s already had big wins. One person said, “I can’t believe this came from Manu Bhaker’s official account. Her PR team needs to be more careful from now on.”
After all the harsh criticism, Bhaker took down the post, but she hasn’t said anything to explain or respond to what happened. Her fans are split; some are let down by her comment, while others insist it doesn’t show who she is.
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, which Bhaker mentioned, stands as India’s top sports honor. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports gives this award each year. It began in 1992 under the name Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. This prize aims to honor Indian athletes who achieve great things on the world stage. Winners get a medal, a certificate, and 25 lakh in cash.
As this story develops, people wonder how it might change Bhaker’s public image and her future role in sports circles. In the end, the incident is a reminder that while athletes can become instant celebrities through their achievements, they must also manage the responsibilities that come with their fame. The balance between humility and self-promotion is a tricky one, and Bhaker’s experience highlights just how quickly a well-intentioned message can lead to widespread backlash.
