Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, India. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in sports, experimenting with boxing, tennis, and skating. However, it was shooting that truly captivated her. Her parents, Ram Kishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and Sumedha Bhaker, provided unwavering support for her ambitions, fostering her growing passion for shooting.
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Rise to Prominence
Manu’s journey in shooting began at the age of 14, quickly making waves in the junior circuit with her talent and determination. Her major breakthrough came in 2017 when she won nine gold medals at the National Shooting Championships. This remarkable achievement set the stage for her international debut, showcasing her potential on a larger platform.
International Success
In 2018, Manu Bhaker exploded onto the global stage. At just 16 years old, she won gold in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. She followed this triumph with another gold at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, becoming the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Her streak of success continued at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where she clinched gold in the 10m air pistol event, solidifying her reputation as a rising star.
Challenges and Comebacks
Despite her early success, Manu faced significant challenges. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics proved particularly tough due to a pistol malfunction during the qualification round, which dashed her hopes of winning a medal. However, Manu’s resilience shone through. She returned to training with renewed vigor, determined to leave a mark at the next Olympics.
Triumph at Paris 2024 Olympics
Manu Bhaker’s perseverance paid off at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She clinched a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, narrowly missing out on silver by just 0.1 points.
But Manu didn’t stop there. She also won another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. This remarkable feat made her the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympics post-Independence, further cementing her legacy in Indian sports.
Rigorous Training and Preparation
Manu’s success can be attributed to her rigorous training regimen and the expert guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. Training at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi, she focuses on both physical and mental conditioning. Her regimen includes precision shooting, strength training, and mental exercises to enhance focus and composure under pressure.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of shooting, Manu is known for her love of animals and nature. She frequently shares glimpses of her life on social media, showcasing her pets and travels. Despite her busy schedule, she remains grounded and connected to her roots in Haryana, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.
Impact and Legacy
Manu Bhaker’s achievements have inspired a new generation of shooters in India. Her success has brought significant attention to the sport, encouraging young athletes to pursue shooting. She has also been vocal about the need for better facilities and support for athletes in India, advocating for improvements that can benefit future generations.
Future Prospects
At just 22, Manu Bhaker’s journey is far from over. With her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the support of her family and coaches, she is poised for even greater success in the future. She has already set her sights on the next Olympics and other international competitions, aiming to add more medals to her impressive tally.