Manu Bhaker, a double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024, has found herself at the center of a significant controversy following her exclusion from the Khel Ratna awardees list. She said there might be a lapse, possibly on her part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified.

The 22-year-old on Tuesday acknowledged that there may have been an oversight in her nomination process for this year’s National Sports Awards.

Bhaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her perspective, a day after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in to address the growing controversy. “Regarding the issue of my nomination for the esteemed Khel Ratna award, I want to clarify that as an athlete, my primary focus is to compete and excel for my country,” she wrote on X.

“While awards and recognition inspire me, they are not my ultimate goal. I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified,” she added.

In her statement, she continued, “Regardless of the award, I will remain driven to secure more medals for my country. I kindly request that everyone refrain from speculating on this matter.”

The controversy erupted when reports indicated that Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the Paris Olympics, was missing from the provisional list of Khel Ratna award nominees. Her remarkable achievements in July—earning bronze medals in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events—solidified her status as a national icon.

According to reports, there were complications in the nomination process. Athletes must apply for the award through their respective federations, but Bhaker’s name was absent from the official submissions received by the ministry.

A ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The list that has been circulated is not final. Manu Bhaker’s name is still under consideration, and the selection committee will review it in their upcoming meeting.”

The selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian, also includes prominent athletes such as hockey star Rani Rampal and boxer-turned-BJP politician Vijender Singh.

This incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the treatment of non-cricketing athletes in India. The sports ministry’s defense surrounding the ‘provisional list’ has done little to mitigate the criticism, further raising concerns about the nomination processes employed by federations like the NRAI.

In a stellar display of batting, Harleen Deol achieved her maiden century in the second ODI between India Women and West Indies Women at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. India’s solid performance led to a commanding total of 358/5 in 50 overs, with Harleen’s 100 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ steady half-century laying the foundation. This performance comes as a testament to Harleen’s journey of resilience and determination, marking her rise from a promising young cricketer to a dependable force in the Indian team.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the team didn’t disappoint. Harleen, who has been a vital presence in the middle order, played a controlled yet attacking innings, stitching crucial partnerships and showcasing her range of strokes. Jemimah Rodrigues provided excellent support with a well-timed half-century, further cementing India’s dominance in the game.

The journey behind the century

Harleen’s journey to the Indian team hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Himachal Pradesh, she found her love for cricket at a young age but faced the typical societal pressures of pursuing a sport not as mainstream for women in India. Her father, a doctor, and mother, a homemaker, always supported her ambitions, despite the odds.

She gained attention early in her career for her aggressive batting style and agile fielding. In domestic cricket, Harleen became a standout player for Himachal Pradesh, and her fielding abilities earned her a place in the Indian squad. Her boundary catch during a T20I match against England in 2021 became iconic, showcasing her athleticism and determination.

Rising above setbacks

Harleen’s entry into the national team was not without challenges. Competing with seasoned players and constantly adapting to international standards tested her resilience. However, she has continually worked on her batting technique and all-round skills, ensuring she became a regular feature in India’s setup.

Today, her maiden century is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of her relentless hard work. It reflects her transformation from being known for a single moment of brilliance on the boundary to being recognized as a complete player who can anchor innings under pressure.

A bright future for India’s star

As Harleen walked off the field with her bat raised, the applause from her teammates and the crowd echoed the pride in her achievement. Her journey is an inspiration for countless young cricketers dreaming of wearing the Indian jersey.

With her current form and growing confidence, Harleen Deol is poised to be a key player for India as the team builds towards future tournaments, including the home ODI World Cup next year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the complete schedule for the Champions Trophy, which will take place in 2025. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 24, detailing all participating teams and the venues for their matches. Pakistan will co-host the tournament with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a hybrid model agreed upon by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to facilitate India’s participation.

The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. If India advances to the final, it will also be held in Dubai. The tournament will commence on February 19 with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, continuing until March 9. Both the semi-finals and the final will include reserve days.

The ICC has confirmed a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches set to occur in both Pakistan and the UAE. This setup follows an agreement between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Under this model, Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches, while India’s three league-stage matches, including the crucial encounter with Pakistan, will take place in Dubai. Additionally, one semi-final and the final will also be hosted in Dubai. Should India not reach the final, the championship match will occur in Lahore.

This arrangement aims to address logistical and geopolitical challenges while facilitating effective planning for these significant tournaments, with stakeholders providing favorable feedback.

Champions Trophy Groups— Group A: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa

Champions Trophy 2025: Schedule

• February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
• February 20: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
• February 22: Australia vs. England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• February 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• March 1: South Africa vs. England, National Stadium, Karachi
• March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*
• March 5: Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• March 9: Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

All matches commence at 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time. The last Champions Trophy was held in 2017, where a remarkable performance by Mohammad Amir helped Pakistan secure victory against Virat Kohli’s India. Pakistan set a total of 338 runs due to Fakhar Zaman’s century, and Amir’s outstanding bowling led to India being bowled out for just 158 runs.

Pakistan enters this tournament with strong momentum. After a challenging period, the national team has found new direction under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, who has recently led the team to victories in overseas tours in Australia and South Africa in the 50-over format.