Manu Bhaker: India’s Shooting Star

Manu Bhaker was born in Goria village in the Jhajjar district of Haryana on February 18, 2002. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, works as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. Her remarkable talent and unwavering determination have led her to become a shooting phenomenon.

Unexpectedly, Manu was an outstanding athlete who succeeded in boxing, tennis, skating, Huyen langlon (a Manipuri martial art), and even took home national awards in these sports before she found her interest in shooting. She was first introduced to shooting when she was 14 years old, and the rest is history.

A Meteoric Rise

Manu’s talent developed quickly under the direction of well-known coach Jaspal Rana. She went from being an avid participant in multiple sports to becoming a top shooter in a matter of years. She has accomplished nothing less than remarkable:

• Commonwealth Games Gold: At the tender age of 16, she clinched the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing her immense potential.
• Youth Olympics Champion: The same year, she added another feather to her cap by winning the Youth Olympics title, solidifying her status as a rising star.
• Overcoming Adversity: The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a challenging experience for Manu, as she couldn’t qualify for the finals in any of the three events she participated in. However, she bounced back with remarkable resilience.
• Olympic Breakthrough: The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a turning point in Manu’s career. She etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting at the Olympics, securing bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This historic achievement was followed by another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol team event, making her the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics since India’s independence.

Beyond the Shooting Range

Manu Bhaker is a multifaceted person in addition to being a gifted athlete. She is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration in addition to her degree in political science. Her love of musical instruments, especially the violin, is another aspect of her character that frequently takes people by surprise.

A Role Model for Millions

Millions of young athletes in India find inspiration in Manu Bhaker’s path. She is a role model who represents the spirit of endurance and greatness because of her remarkable talent and capacity to overcome obstacles. India looks forward to her future achievements as she continues to represent the country on the international front.