From ‘Jack of all trades’ to Olympic hopeful: Shooter Manu Bhaker reflects on her inspiring journey

Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooter from Haryana, made history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She secured her first bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and followed it with another bronze in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event. In an interview, she spoke about her journey from trying various sports like boxing, martial arts, and skating before finally choosing shooting as her career.

From jack of all trades to Olympic Medallist

Manu shared how she gave her best in everything she pursued. Whether it was sports or studies, she enjoyed the process, which helped her excel naturally. Recalling her Olympic experience, she mentioned that after winning her first medal, she immediately focused on preparing for the next match. Her rigorous training and determination paid off when she won the second medal. She expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to India’s medal tally.

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Support from Family and Team

Manu also talked about her mother’s support, especially when it comes to handling the pressures of competitive shooting. Despite the challenges, her mother remains a strong source of encouragement. On the topic of responsibility in sports, Manu agreed with badminton legend Prakash Padukone, noting that the entire team, including athletes, coaches, and federations, shares the responsibility for performance. She emphasized that success in sports requires collective effort, and everyone involved plays a crucial role in achieving results.

Manu Bhaker’s impressive performance and dedication have set a new standard in Indian sports, making her a role model for aspiring athletes across the country.