Manu Bhaker, a young Indian shooter, has achieved incredible success in her sport.
At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, she won two bronze medals.
She earned one bronze in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event making her the first Indian woman to win a medal in any shooting event at the Olympics.
She also won another bronze in the mixed 10-meter air pistol team event with Sarabjot Singh.
This made her the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals and the first Indian to win two medals at the Olympics since India gained independence.
Before Paris 2024, Manu made history by being the first female shooter to reach an Olympic final in 20 years.
Although she had a pistol problem at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that stopped her from winning a medal, she came back strong and made her mark at the next Games.
Early Life and Background
Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, quickly became a shooting star in India, even as a teenager.
Haryana is known for its boxers and wrestlers, but Manu was interested in different sports like tennis, skating, and boxing while in school.
She also practiced a martial art called ‘thang ta’ and won national medals in it.
At the age of 14, right after the Rio 2016 Olympics, Manu decided to try shooting and instantly loved it.
Within a week, she asked her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, to get her a sports shooting pistol.
He did, and this decision helped Manu become an Olympic medallist.
Rising Through the Ranks
Manu’s journey in shooting began in her early teens.
She trained diligently, dedicating countless hours to practice and honing her skills.
Her hard work paid off as she quickly made a name for herself in national and international shooting competitions.
In 2017, Manu Bhaker amazed everyone at the national shooting championships by beating the top shooter Heena Sidhu.
Manu set a new record in the 10m Air Pistol event with a score of 242.3.
Later that year, she won a silver medal at the Asian junior championships.
In 2018, Manu made a big splash at her first ISSF World Cup in Mexico by breaking a junior world record and winning gold in the 10m Air Pistol event.
At just 16, she became the youngest Indian to win gold at an ISSF World Cup.
Manu then won another gold in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event with Om Prakash Mitherval and picked up gold and silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
She also made history by winning gold at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, becoming the first Indian shooter to do so.
In 2019, Manu and Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in the mixed team event at all three ISSF World Cups and the World Cup final in China.
She also secured a spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a fourth-place finish in Munich.
In 2021, Manu continued her success with gold and silver medals in New Delhi, making her a top contender for the Tokyo Olympics.
Paris Olympics and Legal Actions in 2024
Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her management team, IOS Sports & Entertainment, noticed that some brands were using her picture in their ads without asking for permission.
They took legal action against these brands because the rules from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) say that companies must get permission before using someone’s image in their advertisements.
Achievements and Records
Manu Bhaker achieved a significant milestone in her career by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal.
This historic achievement came during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event.
Her victory was a proud moment for India and marked a significant breakthrough in the world of shooting sports.
In addition to her Olympic success, Manu has won numerous medals at various shooting events, including the ISSF World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Her performances have set new records and established her as one of the top shooters globally.
Legacy and Impact
Manu Bhaker’s success has inspired many young athletes, particularly women, to pursue their dreams in sports.
She has become a role model for aspiring shooters and a symbol of dedication and perseverance.
Her achievements continue to bring pride to India and highlight the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
Personal Life
Outside of her professional career, Manu enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
She values the support she has received from her loved ones throughout her journey and remains focused on continuing her success in the sport.
Manu Bhaker FAQs
What notable achievement did Manu Bhaker accomplish at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris?
Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. One in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event and another in the mixed 10-meter air pistol team event with Sarabjot Singh.
How did Manu Bhaker make history at the 2024 Olympics?
Manu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals and the first Indian to win two medals at the Olympics since independence.
When was Manu Bhaker born and where?
Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, India.
What sports did Manu Bhaker initially show interest in before taking up shooting?
Before shooting, Manu was interested in tennis, skating, boxing, and also practiced the martial art ‘thang ta.’
How did Manu Bhaker get into shooting?
Manu developed an interest in shooting at age 14, right after the Rio 2016 Olympics, and persuaded her father to buy her a sports shooting pistol.
What were Manu Bhaker’s major achievements in 2018?
In 2018, Manu won gold in the 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico, set a junior world record, and won gold at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.
What did Manu Bhaker do in the 2019 ISSF World Cups?
Manu and Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in the mixed team event at all three ISSF World Cups and the World Cup final in China.
What legal action did Manu Bhaker’s management take in 2024?
Manu’s management team, IOS Sports & Entertainment, took legal action against brands that used her image in ads without permission.
What records does Manu Bhaker hold?
Manu Bhaker is the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal and has set new records at various shooting events, including the ISSF World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
What is Manu Bhaker’s impact on young athletes?
Manu Bhaker has inspired many young athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams in sports and has become a symbol of dedication and perseverance.
