Manu Bhaker’s success in competitive shooting has been truly remarkable. She made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning bronze medals in the 10m air pistol event and in the 10m mixed Double Event, marking India’s first medal in shooting at the games. Hailing from Jhajjar in Haryana, Bhaker’s journey to Olympic glory is a testament to the power of dreams and determination, supported by her family and coaches. Her dedication and hard work have truly paid off, making her a true champion in the world of shooting.
Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, marking her as the first female shooter from India to earn an Olympic medal. Following this achievement, she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh in the mixed 10 metre air pistol team event, where they clinched another bronze medal.
This accomplishment made her the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals and the first Indian to achieve this feat since India gained independence.
In her early years, Manu Bhaker was born in Goria village in Haryana. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, is a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. Before turning 14, she showed great talent in various sports like Huyen langlon, a Manipuri martial art, along with boxing, tennis, and skating. She even won medals at the national games in these sports.
Manu Bhaker’s journey in competitive shooting began with a significant investment of Rs. 1,50,000 from her father. Her dedication and talent quickly paid off as she secured her first major international success by winning a silver medal at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships.
During the 2017 National Games in Kerala, Manu Bhaker dominated the competition, winning nine gold medals. She surpassed the record of 240.8 points set by World Cup medalist Heena Sidhu, finishing with an impressive score of 242.3 points in the final.
At just 16 years old, Manu Bhaker claimed a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and made history as the youngest Indian to win gold at the ISSF World Cup that same year.
At the 2018 International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, Bhaker took home the gold medal in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event, beating Mexico’s Alejandra Zavala, a two-time champion. Bhaker finished the final match with a score of 237.5, while Zavala scored 237.1.
Bhaker also earned her second gold medal at the World Cup in the mixed team event for the 10-meter air pistol. She teamed up with Om Prakash Mitharval from India, and together they achieved a score of 476.1 points, surpassing the duo of Sandra Reitz and Christian Reitz, who scored 475.2.
During the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Bhaker scored 388 out of 400 points in the qualifying round for the women’s 10m air pistol and advanced to the finals. In the final round, she won the gold medal and set a new Commonwealth Games record with a score of 240.9 points.
At the 2018 Asian Games, Bhaker set a record in the qualification round of the 25m air pistol event with a score of 593. However, she did not medal in the final, finishing in 6th place, while her fellow countrywoman Rahi Sarnobat won the gold in that event.
Manu Bhaker clinched the team gold medal for India in the women’s 25m pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games, alongside Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan.
She secured the bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making history as the first female shooter from India to achieve an Olympic medal.
The Obstacles She Overcame In spite of her achievements, Manu encountered difficulties in her career. At the 2018 Asian Games, she achieved a game record score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m air pistol event but finished sixth in the final. Her compatriot, Rahi Sarnobat, won the gold in this event.
In 2019, during the Munich ISSF World Cup, Manu’s pistol jammed in the finals of the 25m pistol event when she was leading, forcing her to forfeit the competition. However, she showed resilience and qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 10m pistol event with a fourth-place finish.
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India, showing everyone that dedication and hard work can lead to great success. Her journey from a small town to the Olympic podium serves as an inspiration to all, proving that dreams can come true with persistence and courage.
This achievement not only highlights her outstanding skills but also motivates young athletes to follow in her footsteps with hope and determination. Manu Bhaker’s story is a powerful reminder that with commitment, anyone can reach the stars.
Manu Bhaker’s management, IOS Sports & Entertainment, initiated legal proceedings against multiple brands for using her image in advertisements without authorization, following her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This action was consistent with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines, which mandate explicit permission for the use of an individual’s image in advertisements.
As she looks to the future, Manu Bhaker is determined to reach even greater milestones. Her primary ambition is to secure an Olympic medal, a pursuit that fuels her rigorous training and preparation each day. Additionally, Manu is passionate about motivating the upcoming generation of shooters in India, aiming to play a significant role in the sport’s growth and evolution within the country.
Manu Bhaker narrowly missed out on securing her third medal in a single Summer Olympics, coming in 4th place in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Following the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra became a national sensation, but now, the citizens of India can also take great pride in the name Manu Bhaker.
Manu Bhaker’s influence on Indian sports goes far beyond her remarkable collection of medals. As a young athlete who has accomplished so much at a tender age, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring shooters. Her journey highlights the significance of commitment, perseverance, and resilience. Through her successes, Manu has not only brought honor to her nation but has also encouraged countless young athletes to chase their dreams with relentless passion.
Introduction Anirudh Ravichander was born on 16 October 1990 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is…
Ray Davis The Buffalo Bills' Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets marked a…
Bollywood is not just about the stars we see on screen; it’s equally about the…
For many Indians, the most iconic symbol of love is the magnificent Taj Mahal, built…
Ravi Bishnoi born on September 5, 2000, is a promising Indian cricketer who hails from…
Devi Prasad Shetty Photo credit:@AmirHus35857585 Devi Prasad Shetty, who was born on May 8, 1953,…