Introduction
The name Manu Bhaker has served to be an inspiration for young athletes all around the world. Her hard work and determination has taken her to become a top Indian shooter. A double Olympic medallist and a national hero, she won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Manu’s story inspired of young people to chase their dreams whatever their background. So we’re going to start with her early years and go all the way through to her historic Olympic success.
Quick Facts about Manu Bhaker
Early Life and Family
Manu Bhaker was born on 18th February 2002, in Goria village in Haryana. Ram Kishan Bhaker is her father and is a chief engineer in Merchant Navy. Manu grew up trying all the sports from tennis to martial arts. Her family supported her dreams and helped her to try out her talents.
But Manu’s love for sports was an early one and she was good in many sports. She was trained in Huyen Langlon, a Manipuri martial art, played tennis, boxing and skating. Many of these sports, Manu won medals in them at the national level. This helped her to build strength, focus and determination and would later serve to help her shoot.
Manu’s Introduction to Shooting
At 14, Manu Bhaker decided to go all the way with shooting. Her father thought she could rise and so he invested ₹1,50,000 to train and equip her. Other young athletes don’t have Manu’s determination and discipline. Her first competition success was in winning a silver medal at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships. This was the first step of her career as a competitive shooter.
Career Breakthrough and National Record
It was Manu’s big breakthrough at the 2017 National Games in Kerala. She took part in the 10 meter air pistol event and scored 242.3 points, a national record. Manu’s record breaking performance bettered that of star shooter Heena Sidhu. Nine gold medals at the National Games.
International Success: 2018 ISSF World Cup
Manu Bhaker became internationally known at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2018. She won a gold medal at 16 in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol. Alejandra Zavala’s title defense ended when she was beaten 237.5 to 204. The Indian becomes the youngest to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. Her talent was proved by her victory and she was given new doors to walk in the international shooting world.
Manu also won a gold medal in the mixed team event at the World Cup. The German duo of Sandra and Christian Reitz were beaten by her, with Om Prakash Mitharval, as she scored 476.1 points. This win demonstrated that she could play well in team events and it cemented her place in the global shooting community.
Historic Achievements at the Commonwealth Games
Manu represented India in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in 2018. In the women’s 10 metre air pistol qualifying round she scored 388 points. She set a Commonwealth Games record at 240.9 points to win a gold medal in the final. Manu, who at 16, became one of the youngest athletes to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, is an inspiration to young athletes across India.
Youth Olympics Triumph
In 2018 later, Manu competed in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the 10-meter air pistol event, she won another historic gold, shooting 236.5 points. Her victory made her the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympics. An inspiration to those who wish to become shooters in India, her achievements at a young age.
Partnership with Saurabh Chaudhry
Manu Bhaker formed a strong partnership with shooter Saurabh Chaudhry from 2019. They had competed together in mixed team events at various ISSF World Cups. Between them, they managed to win multiple gold medals for India. Partnership between Manu and Saurabh was a force to be reckoned with in 10 meter air pistol mixed event.
Challenges Faced by Manu Bhaker
Manu had to battle her way through many challenges throughout her career. She established a record of 593 in the 25-meter air pistol qualification round at the 2018 Asian Games. But she finished sixth in the finals, and missed a podium finish. Her pistol jammed in the finals in the 2019 Munich ISSF World Cup when she led. The technical issue forced her to forfeit the competition. But she had a great resilience and focused on her training, and she qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Journey to the Paris Olympics
Manu Bhaker trained hard to qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics. But she spent long hours each day working to improve her skills. Her efforts were rewarded when she won two bronze medals in the 10 meter air pistol event and the 10 meter mixed double event. Moreover, she became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal in this category. Furthermore, India was proud of Manu’s victories at the Olympics.
Manu’s Impact and Recognition
Manu’s success has inspired scores of young athletes from India. Her story has been that with talent and determination anyone can rise to the top. It was announced that Manu had also been praised by the nation’s leaders and sports icons after her Olympic success. She was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many sporting figures for her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Her victories also showed the growing popularity of shooting in India. India’s young athletes now have better training facilities, and if government support is thrown in, the sky is the limit for them to compete on the world stage.
Manu’s Hobbies and Interests
Manu also likes to have hobbies outside of shooting. Moreover, she likes to spend time with her family and go exploring. Manu also likes painting and drawing. Furthermore, they work to relax her and to balance out the effort of her training.
Lesser-Known Facts about Manu Bhaker
- Manu initially excelled in boxing and skating.
- She won her first shooting medal at 14.
- Her father invested ₹1,50,000 in her training.
- Manu holds a Commonwealth Games record.
- She was India’s flag bearer at the Youth Olympics.
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the Olympic podium is inspiring. Her story is one of passion, hard work, and resilience. Despite facing challenges, she stayed focused on her goals and made history. Moreover, Manu’s success encourages young athletes to dream big and work hard. Furthermore, her biography shows that with dedication and support, anything is possible.
Today, Manu Bhaker stands as a proud ambassador of Indian sports. Moreover, she has shown the world the talent of Indian athletes and inspired a new generation of shooters. Moreover, her future promises to bring more achievements and make India proud.
