MANU BHAKER TO MISS KHELO INDIA GAMES DUE TO EXAM

PUNE: Teenage shooting sensation Manu Bhaker, who was recently involved in a war of words on the social media with the Haryana sports minister over her pending cash reward for winning the Youth Olympics gold, won’t take part in the Khelo India Youth Games, which starts at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Wednesday.

Bhaker was one of the biggest attractions of the 12-day event. “It is now confirmed that Manu Bhaker won’t come here for Khelo India games as she is busy preparing for her exams,” said Haryana Deputy Director of Sports, Rajbir Singh. However, a shooting coach who did not want to be named said the youngster is also focused on next month’s World Cup in New Delhi. “She has exams and then next month she will be playing in the World Cup. This is why she has decided to skip the games.”

Rajbir though emphasised: “Education is very important for everyone. She has exams so nothing can be done.”

Until Tuesday evening, Haryana officials had no clue Bhaker was not participating. When asked earlier in the day when she would reach Pune, one official said he had to find out as he wasn’t sure if she was coming by train or flight.

It was only after this reporter spoke to the coach that Rajbir Singh confirmed that she was skipping the event.

The 16-year-old was one of the stars of last year’s Khelo India School Games in New Delhi. Bhaker’s absence from Khelo India comes after the Commonwealth Games champion drew criticism from Haryana sports minister Anil Vij for going public with her grievances on cash award.