Manu Bhaker is a prominent Indian shooter, and because of her, sports, especially Olympic Shooting, have been significantly impacted. She was born on 18 February 2002 in Goria village, Haryana. Only at 22 did she achieve so much fame because of her outstanding achievements.
Manu’s journey in shooting started at a very young age; until 14, she was very good in sports like Huyen, lagoon, and Manipuri Martial arts, but her journey in shooting started after this. She got her first success in shooting in 2017 and won a silver medal in the Asian junior championship. After this, she never backed off. Her recent achievement, particularly at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, has raised and confirmed her status as one of the leading personalities in shooting sports.
Early Life and Introduction to Shooting
Manu was involved in many sports earlier. She made her place in many sports, like boxing, tennis, and martial arts, except shooting, and won many medals. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, was a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. He played an essential role in her sports journey by investing in her training and encouraging her passion for shooting. As Manu has a strong background in sports, she switched to competitive shooting and soon succeeded.
Top Achievement at the Commonwealth Games
Manu was just 16 when she gained international recognition by winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. She made a new Commonwealth Games record in the women’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 240.9 points. This victory made her the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in 2018, establishing her as a rising star in the shooting world.
Record-Breaking Achievements at the 2024 Summer Olympics
In the 2024 Summer Olympics, Manu made history by becoming the first Indian female athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games. She was rewarded with a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another bronze medal in the mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh, a renowned shooter known for his achievements in competitive shooting. This achievement highlighted her skill and marked a big and important moment for Indian shooting, bringing back the nation’s hopes in the sport after a challenging period.
Steady Success in International Competitions
Manu’s achievements go beyond the Olympics. She has been a great performer and has consistently performed well in international competitions, including the ISSF World Cup and the Asian Games. For example, she won the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the 2019 ISSF World Cup in Delhi and for India in the women’s 25m pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games. Her ability to handle pressure and give outstanding results has earned her a reputation as one of the best shooters in the world.
Mental Strength and Resilience
Manu is also known for her mental strength and resilience. After facing disappointment at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to some technical difficulties, she didn’t lose hope, but she started taking guidance from the teaching of Bhagavad Gita. This spiritual approach helped her maintain focus control and stay stable in high-pressure situations, allowing her to perform at her best in subsequent competitions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Manu‘s journey is not just about her medals, success, and name but also shows her dedication to promoting shooting sports in India. She inspires young athletes, particularly girls, encouraging them to follow their dreams and take part in sports. Her achievements have gained attention and support for shooting in India, leading to increased investment and interest in the sport.
Goals For Future
Looking forward, Manu‘s goal is to continue shooting, gain more success, and inspire the next generation of shooters. With her talent, determination, and mentally fit mind, she is ready to achieve even greater heights in her sporting career. As she keeps competing at top levels, her journey will inspire many young athletes in India and beyond.
Manu is not just a medal-winning shooter; she is a leader in Indian sports. Her great achievement at the 2024 Summer Olympics and her dedication to being an excellent shooter has made her a role model for youth and aspiring athletes. As she breaks records and pushes the limits, she has inspired others and given the sport a great chance to grow, which will create a lasting impact and legacy in shooting sports.
