Manu Bhaker has emerged as one of India’s most celebrated sport shooters, inspiring a generation with her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. Her journey is a testament to overcoming challenges and setting new benchmarks in the world of sports.
Early Life and Passion for Shooting
Born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, Manu Bhaker’s early life was filled with diverse sporting activities. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, is a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, is a former school principal. Manu’s initial sporting interests included tennis, skating, and boxing, but it was shooting that captured her heart at the age of 14. With her father’s support, she pursued shooting passionately, training under coach Anil Jakhar. By 2017, she had already started making a mark internationally, winning a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championships.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
Manu Bhaker’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. The delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics tested her resilience as she faced equipment malfunctions and other hurdles, affecting her performance. However, these setbacks only strengthened her resolve. Reuniting with coach Jaspal Rana in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics proved to be a turning point. Under his rigorous training regimen, she secured two bronze medals in Paris, demonstrating her ability to rise above adversity and excel on the global stage.
Major Achievements and Milestones
Manu Bhaker’s career is decorated with numerous achievements. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she won gold in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico. She continued to set records, including a new Commonwealth Games record in the same year. Manu’s accolades include multiple gold medals at the Youth Olympics and ISSF World Cup events. Her crowning moment came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she became the first Indian female shooter to win two medals in a single Olympics, securing bronze in both the women’s 10-meter air pistol and the mixed 10-meter air pistol team events.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Manu Bhaker’s dedication and success have made her a role model for aspiring sport shooters in India and beyond. Her story of perseverance and achievement serves as an inspiration to young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. Manu’s involvement in legal actions to protect her image post-Olympics also underscores the importance of athletes’ rights and the need for explicit permissions in commercial usage.
Balancing Academics and Sports
Balancing academics and sports is a challenge that Manu Bhaker has remarkably managed. While excelling in shooting, she has also maintained her academic pursuits. Attending Universal Higher Senior Secondary School in Goria, she has shown that with determination and time management, one can excel in both academics and sports. Manu’s ability to juggle her studies and her intense training schedules is a testament to her discipline and commitment.