Manu Bhaker: Story of an Olympic Bronze Medalist

Manu Bhaker Story

Manu Bhaker, hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, India, was born on February 18, 2002. She has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in shooting sports in the last few years. Coming from a small town in Haryana and becoming a household name in India, Manu Bhaker’s journey is a testament to her dedication, hard work, commitment, and talent.

This blog will explore her early life, her notable career achievements, the challenges she faced, and the influence she has had on Indian sports.

Early Life and Background

Manu Bhaker hails from a family that not only encourages sports but also actively supports her in her endeavors. Her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, is a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, is a school teacher who always supports and encourages her.

Her parents, Ramkishan Bhaker and Sumedha Bhaker, have been instrumental in nurturing her talent and providing her with the necessary resources and encouragement. Their unwavering support has been a driving force behind Manu’s success. From a young age, Manu was inclined towards sports and showed a big interest in various sports activities. Initially exploring sports like skating, boxing, and martial arts, she ultimately found her true passion in shooting.

Manu’s fascination with shooting was sparked when she visited a local shooting range with her father.  She was fascinated by the precision and discipline required in shooting, which prompted her to pursue it seriously.  With the wholehearted support of her parents, Manu started her training under the guidance of Jaspal Rana, a former shooter and recipient of the Arjuna Award.

Breakthrough in Shooting

Manu Bhaker’s rise in the world of shooting was rapid and impressive. She made her national debut at the 2017 National Shooting Championship in Kerala, where she won the gold medal. Her remarkable performance there set the stage for her international debut, marking the beginning of a promising career on the global shooting circuit.

In 2018, Manu Bhaker participated in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Despite being only 16 years old, she won two gold medals: one in the 10m Air Pistol event and another in the Mixed Team event. This brilliant performance not only made her the youngest Indian to secure a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup but also brought her into the limelight, earning nationwide recognition and acclaim.

Major Achievements

ISSF World Cup and Youth Olympics

Manu Bhaker’s remarkable success continues as she wins multiple medals at various ISSF World Cup events. In 2018, she won gold medals in Guadalajara and Munich’s 10m Air Pistol events. Her consistent good performance earned her a place in the Youth Olympics, which were held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, she made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal.

Commonwealth Games

Another big milestone in Manu Bhaker’s career was the 2018 Commonwealth Games, held on the Gold Coast, Australia. Competing in the 10m Air Pistol event, she demonstrated exceptional prowess by clinching the gold medal with a record-breaking score. Her victory highlighted her ability to perform under pressure on the international stage and solidified her position as a leading figure in the international shooting sports world.

Asian Games

In the 2018 Asian Games, Held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Manu Bhaker won a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event with her partner, Abhishek Verma. Despite not securing an individual medal, her remarkable performance showcased her talent, and she continued to gain valuable experience. In the 2022 Asian Games, Manu Bhaker won a Gold Medal in the women’s 25m pistol event with Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan.

National Championships

On the national front, Manu Bhaker has displayed exceptional dominance and has been a dominant force in shooting. She won many gold medals at the National Shooting Championships, setting new records and establishing her position as one of India’s top and finest shooters. Her consistent and outstanding performance at the national level has made her a role model for aspiring shooters.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite being successful, Manu Bhaker faced many setbacks and challenges. She encountered various hurdles on her path to success, including the transition from junior to senior level in international competitions, which can be intimidating. Manu faced her share of setbacks, such as not qualifying for the 10 m Air Pistol event finals in the 2019 ISSF World Cup held in Munich, which was a big disappointment for her.

One significant setback Manu Bhaker faced during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was when her pistol jammed in the 25m pistol event finals, forcing her to forfeit the match as her gun could not fire. However, Manu’s resilience and determination have always been her strengths. She viewed these setbacks as valuable learning experiences, dedicating herself to working tirelessly to improve her skills and mental toughness.

Her ability to bounce back from failures and maintain a positive attitude has been pivotal in her growth as an athlete, inspiring others with her unwavering spirit and determination to succeed.

Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics by winning two bronze medals. She became the first Indian female shooter to win a medal at any Olympics when she won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. A few days later, she won another bronze medal in a mixed 10-meter air pistol team event with her teammate Sarabjot Singh. With these two medals, Manu Bhaker not only made her mark in the history books but also set the stage for even more exciting and successful future endeavors, making people feel excited and optimistic about her potential.

Impact on Indian Sports

Manu Bhaker’s achievements have significantly impacted Indian sports, particularly shooting. Her amazing performances have inspired a new generation of young shooters, especially young girls, and drawn attention to the importance of enhanced infrastructure and support for athletes in India. Her success has not only brought glory to the nation but also paved the way for a brighter future for Indian sports, instilling a sense of pride and hope in the hearts of sports enthusiasts.

Manu’s journey has highlighted the need for better facilities, coaching, and financial support for aspiring athletes. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with the proper guidance and resources. As a result, there has been more emphasis on developing shooting as a sport in India, resulting in more investments in training centers and equipment.

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker’s rise from a small town in Haryana to international shooting stardom is incredibly inspiring. Her achievements at the age of 22 have made her an exemplary figure and role model for aspiring athletes and a symbol of India’s sporting potential. With her exceptional talent, resilience, and determination, Manu Bhaker is poised for even greater success in the coming years, leaving the audience excited and optimistic about her future achievements. As she continues to break records and win medals, she will undoubtedly leave an enduring impact on the shooting world and motivate future generations to follow in her footsteps.

Given her unwavering commitment, dedication, and profound love for the sport, there is no doubt that Manu Bhaker will continue to make India proud on the global stage.

Read: Neeraj Chopra – Inspirational Story of Olympics Gold Medalist