New Delhi
A question directed at double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker about teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has triggered widespread criticism online, reigniting debate over the dominance of cricket in Indian sports media.
The incident took place during an event in New Delhi marking 75 years of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which was meant to celebrate the country’s achievements in shooting sports. The gathering featured top Indian shooters and highlighted the legacy of the sport, including Bhaker’s historic two-medal performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.
However, the tone shifted when a journalist asked Bhaker for her opinion on Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricketer who has recently gained attention in the Indian Premier League and became the youngest player to reach 1,000 T20 runs.
The question quickly drew criticism on social media, with many users arguing that it was inappropriate to divert attention from a shooting-focused celebration to cricket.
“FOLKS, SHE IS AN OLYMPIC MEDALLIST!” one user wrote online, expressing frustration over the misplaced query. Another added that Bhaker’s Olympic achievements far outweigh the relevance of IPL-related questions at such an event.
Sports commentator Joy Bhattacharjya also weighed in, questioning the relevance of the question and highlighting the tendency of Indian media to prioritise cricket over other sports.
“Why ask her about a cricketer? Her medals are greater than entire IPL narratives,” a social media user posted, echoing similar sentiments across platforms.
Despite the criticism surrounding the question, Bhaker responded with composure and maturity, offering a balanced take on young talent and mentorship rather than dismissing the query.
She emphasised that age is not a barrier to success if proper guidance is provided, stating that “there is no age for talent” and that athletes can succeed at any stage of life with the right support system.
Her calm response has been widely praised, with many calling it a reflection of her discipline and mental strength.
The incident has once again highlighted ongoing concerns within India’s sporting ecosystem about the overwhelming focus on cricket, even during events dedicated to Olympic disciplines such as shooting.