Manu Bhaker wins bronze medal at Paris Olympics 2024 Congratulations
Manu Bhaker is a renowned Indian sport shooter who gained widespread recognition for her achievements at a young age. Here's her story:
Early Life and Background
Manu
Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria Village, Jhajjar
District, Haryana, India. She hails from a family with a sports
background, and her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, is a chief engineer in the
Merchant Navy. Manu showed an interest in various sports from a young
age, including boxing, skating, and martial arts. However, it was
shooting that eventually captured her passion and focus.
Rise in Shooting
Manu
Bhaker's journey in shooting began in 2016 when she started training
under the guidance of coach Jaspal Rana, a former shooter himself. Her
natural talent and dedication quickly became evident, and she made rapid
progress in the sport. She started competing at the national level and
soon made a mark with her exceptional performances.
Major Achievements
- 2017 National Championships:
Manu Bhaker won nine gold medals at the National Shooting Championships
in Kerala, establishing herself as a dominant force in Indian shooting.
- 2018 ISSF World Cup:
She made her international debut at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico in
2018, where she won a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, becoming
one of the youngest Indian shooters to achieve this feat.
- 2018 Commonwealth Games:
Manu continued her impressive run by winning a gold medal in the
Women's 10m Air Pistol event at the Commonwealth Games held in Gold
Coast, Australia.
- 2018 Youth Olympic Games:
At the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Manu Bhaker won a
gold medal in the Girls' 10m Air Pistol event, further cementing her
reputation as a rising star in shooting.
- Asian Games 2018:
Manu also competed in the Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, where
she won a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event alongside
fellow shooter Saurabh Chaudhary.
Challenges and Comeback
Despite
her early success, Manu Bhaker faced challenges, including a dip in
form and equipment malfunctions during crucial competitions. However,
she demonstrated resilience and determination, continuing to work hard
and make comebacks in subsequent events.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Manu
Bhaker represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due
to the COVID-19 pandemic). Although she did not win a medal, her
participation and performance were commendable, considering her young
age and the pressure of competing on such a prestigious platform.
Legacy and Impact
Manu
Bhaker's success has inspired many young athletes, especially girls, to
take up shooting and pursue their dreams in sports. Her journey from a
small village in Haryana to becoming an international shooting sensation
exemplifies dedication, hard work, and the importance of nurturing
young talent in sports.
Personal Traits and Future Aspirations
Manu
Bhaker is known for her focus, discipline, and calm demeanor, traits
that have contributed significantly to her success as a shooter. She
continues to train and compete, with aspirations to achieve greater
heights in her shooting career and win more accolades for India on the
international stage.
Manu
Bhaker's story is a testament to the potential of young athletes in
India and the impact of supportive family, coaching, and perseverance in
achieving excellence in sports.
Manu
Bhaker has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her
exceptional achievements in shooting. Here are some of the notable
awards and honors she has received:
Major Awards and Recognitions
- Arjuna Award (2020):
Manu Bhaker was honored with the Arjuna Award, one of India's highest
sporting honors, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and
contributions to Indian sports.
- ISSF World Cup Medals: Manu has won multiple medals at various ISSF World Cup events, including gold medals in individual and mixed team events.
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (2018): She won a gold medal in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia.
- Youth Olympic Games Gold Medal (2018): Manu clinched a gold medal in the Girls' 10m Air Pistol event at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Asian Games Gold Medal (2018):
She secured a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event at the
2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, along with her partner Saurabh
Chaudhary.
- National Awards and Recognitions:
Manu Bhaker has been honored with various national awards and
recognitions by different sports organizations and government bodies for
her contributions to shooting.
Additional Honors
- Multiple National Championships: Manu has won numerous gold medals at the National Shooting Championships in India, dominating various events and categories.
- International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Recognition:
Manu's performances at international competitions have been
acknowledged by the ISSF, highlighting her as one of the top shooters
globally.
- State and Local Honors:
She has also received accolades and awards from her home state of
Haryana and local organizations, recognizing her achievements and
contributions to sports.
Manu
Bhaker's impressive list of awards and recognitions reflects her
dedication, skill, and the significant impact she has made in the sport
of shooting, both in India and internationally.