Olympic Medallist Manu Bhaker Says Paper Leak Issue Should Not Be Politicised

Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker has spoken out on the ongoing protests over alleged examination paper leaks, saying the issue should be viewed beyond political debates and treated as a matter of accountability, fairness, and the future of students. The athlete said every child deserves access to quality education, safety, and equal opportunities. Sharing her views on X, Bhaker said the concerns raised by protesting students were not about supporting or opposing any political party but about ensuring that the education system protects the interests of young people.

She stressed that the future of students must remain the central focus while addressing issues related to examination transparency. Bhaker expressed concern over the difficulties faced by students affected by alleged paper leaks and said it was painful to see young people experience uncertainty while pursuing their academic goals. She emphasised that students should not have to face unfair situations when working towards their education and careers.

“At this point, it’s about the lives of the future of our nation. It’s about us. I am a student, and at one point, we were all students. Every child deserves access to education, safety, and a fair chance at life. These are not privileges—they are fundamental rights,” Bhaker wrote. The shooter also referred to the impact of such controversies on students’ dreams and aspirations. She said young people who prepare for competitive examinations invest significant time and effort, and the integrity of the examination system is essential to ensuring fairness.

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Bhaker’s comments come amid protests by students and youth groups over alleged irregularities in examinations. Protesters have been demanding greater transparency, accountability, and stronger mechanisms to prevent leaks and ensure that deserving candidates are not affected. The issue has triggered a wider debate over the functioning of examination systems and the need for reforms to protect students from disruptions. Political parties have also reacted to the protests, with opposition groups criticising the government over alleged failures in preventing examination-related irregularities.

However, Bhaker clarified that her comments were not aimed at promoting or opposing any political organisation. Instead, she said the focus should remain on students and the need to safeguard their future. Known for her achievements in shooting, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian athlete after independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games when she secured bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. Beyond sports, she has often spoken about issues affecting young people and the importance of discipline, opportunities, and support systems.

Her remarks have added a prominent sporting voice to the discussion around examination reforms and student concerns. By highlighting education, safety, and equal opportunity, Bhaker urged authorities and society to prioritise measures that protect the aspirations of India’s youth. As protests continue, the debate over examination security and accountability remains a major issue, with students and stakeholders calling for long-term solutions to ensure a fair and reliable education system.

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