The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began on July 26, has already witnessed a remarkable achievement by Indian athlete Manu Bhaker. At just 22 years old, the Haryana native has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a bronze medal in the air pistol event.
Background and Early Life:
- Hometown: Manu Bhaker is from Jhajjar, Haryana.
- Early Sports Engagement: Her passion for sports began in childhood, with active participation in tennis, skating, boxing, and national-level Thang-Ta martial arts.
Education:
- Schooling: She completed her education at Universal Public Senior Secondary School in Jhajjar.
- Higher Education: Manu pursued a BA (Hons) in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, graduating in 2021. She is currently advancing her studies in Public Administration at Punjab University.
Journey to Shooting:
- Inspiration: Manu’s interest in shooting was ignited by the 2016 Rio Olympics. After a week of practice, she requested a sports shooting pistol from her father.
- Support: Her father, Ram Krishna Bhaker, an engineer in the Merchant Navy, supported her by providing the necessary equipment.
Achievements and Honors:
- Olympic Success: Manu won a bronze medal in air pistol shooting at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Awards: She has received the Arjuna Award in 2020 and the Best Young Athlete Award in 2019.
- Youth Olympic Games: She had the honor of being India’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Personal Interests and Hobbies:
- Manu enjoys a diverse range of activities, including music, reading, painting, sketching, dancing, and solving puzzles.
Training Regimen:
- Routine: Manu practices for five hours daily, incorporating yoga, meditation, and regular gym workouts five days a week.
Manu Bhaker’s impressive blend of athletic prowess, academic achievements, and personal interests highlights her as a dedicated and multifaceted individual. Her success at the Paris Olympics and her ongoing commitment to her sport and studies are sources of inspiration for many.
