Discover the inspiring journey of Manu Bhaker, India’s young shooting star, from her early passion for diverse sports to her triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Witness her resilience, dedication, and the support system that led her to make history. Watch her story of perseverance and success.
Paris Olympics 2024 Live Update
Shooting: Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh indeed secured a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event by defeating Korea. This victory marks Manu Bhaker’s second medal at the same Olympics, making her the first Indian to achieve this feat.
Shooting: Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh indeed secured a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event by defeating Korea. This victory marks Manu Bhaker’s second medal at the same Olympics, making her the first Indian to achieve this feat.
Manu Bhaker Biography: Early Life and Passion for Sports
Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, is employed as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. From a young age, Manu showed a strong interest in various sports. She excelled in boxing, tennis, skating, and even the Manipuri martial art Huyen Langlon. Her father’s support played a key role in nurturing her talent.
Manu’s athletic journey started with these diverse sports, which helped her develop a competitive spirit and resilience. Her early achievements included winning national medals in skating and Huyen Langlon, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. This diverse background in sports laid a solid foundation for her future success in shooting.
Manu Bhaker: Breakthrough in Shooting
Manu’s shooting career began to shine in 2017 when she won a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championships. Later that year, she made a big impact at the National Shooting Championships by winning nine gold medals and setting a new national record. She even defeated former World No. 1 Heena Sidhu, which was a major turning point in her career.
In 2018, Manu Bhaker made headlines by winning the gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. At just 16 years old, she became the youngest Indian to secure a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. Her victory over experienced competitors like Alejandra Zavala marked her arrival on the global stage. That year, she also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first Indian shooter to win gold at the Youth Olympics.
Manu Bhaker Instagram Account
Challenges at Tokyo 2020
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were tough for Manu. Despite being one of India’s top medal hopes, she faced technical problems with her pistol during the 10m air pistol event, which affected her performance. She couldn’t make it to the finals and returned home without a medal. This disappointment made her think about taking a break from shooting.
After the Tokyo disappointment, Manu Bhaker’s form declined, and she struggled with motivation. She even considered focusing on her studies and taking a break from competitive shooting. However, her reunion with her coach, Jaspal Rana, helped her regain her passion and focus on the sport. Rana had been a guiding force in her early career, and their reunion proved to be a turning point.
Road to Redemption
The reunion with her long-time coach, Jaspal Rana, was a turning point for Manu. Their collaboration reignited her passion for shooting and helped her refine her technique. This partnership was crucial for her preparation for the next major competitions. Under Rana’s mentorship, Manu focused on strengthening her basics and improving her mental toughness, which were essential for her comeback.
In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker trained rigorously, balancing her shooting commitments with her education. She also pursued hobbies like learning the violin to maintain a well-rounded life. Her hard work and determination paid off as she headed to Paris with renewed focus and confidence
Triumph at Paris 2024
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This victory made her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, marking a significant moment in Indian sports history. She finished with an aggregate score of 221.7 points, narrowly missing the silver by just 0.1 points. Her performance in Paris was particularly remarkable as she secured India’s first medal of the Games, underscoring her status as a leading figure in Indian shooting.
Manu’s journey to the podium in Paris was marked by intense preparation and a strong support system. She had worked extensively on her shooting technique and mental resilience, learning from her past experiences and setbacks. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver in high-stakes situations was a testament to her growth as an athlete.
Inspiring Journey and Future Goals
Throughout her career, Manu has won multiple medals at the ISSF World Cups and other international competitions. Her journey from a young prodigy to an Olympic medalist has inspired many young athletes in India and beyond. She aims to build on her success, with sights set on future Olympics and other major events. Manu’s achievements have not only elevated her status in the world of shooting but also contributed to the growing popularity of the sport in India.
Besides shooting, Manu Bhaker has many interests. Over the past year, she has learned to play the violin, which she finds relaxing. Balancing these hobbies with her training has helped her stay focused and happy. Her ability to balance sports and personal interests is a significant aspect of her success, providing her with a well-rounded approach to life and competition.
Manu Bhaker’s story is one of perseverance and hard work. Her achievements have not only elevated her status in the world of shooting but have also inspired many young athletes. As she continues her career, Bhaker aims to achieve even more success and contribute to Indian sports.
