Manu Bhaker: first Indian woman to achieve this feat in Olympic shooting

Manu Bhaker, a trailblazing young athlete from India, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting.

Manu Bhaker 

Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in Olympic shooting. On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Bhaker, describing her as a "product of the ecosystem created by Khelo India".

Manu Bhaker, a trailblazing young athlete from India, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. 

At the Paris Olympics, she clinched a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event, showcasing her remarkable skill and determination. Her journey to this achievement is a testament to her dedication and the robust support system provided by initiatives like Khelo India. 

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed that around ₹2 crores were invested in Bhaker's training, including international training camps and specialized coaching. This strategic investment has paid off, as Bhaker continues to bring glory to her nation. 

With a rich collection of international medals and a history-making performance at the Olympics, Manu Bhaker stands as a shining example of the potential that can be unlocked with proper support and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Manu Bhaker Biography

Manu Bhaker is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of shooting. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the global stage of the Olympics is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication.

Category	Details
Full Name	Manu Bhaker
Date of Birth	February 18, 2002
Place of Birth	Goria, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
Nationality	Indian
Sport	Shooting
Specialization	10m Air Pistol, 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
Height	1.65 meters (5 feet 5 inches)
Weight	50 kg
Coach	Suma Shirur
Early Career	Started shooting at a young age.
Major Achievements	Gold Medal: 10m Air Pistol, Asian Games 2023 Silver Medal: 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, Asian Games 2023 Gold Medal: 10m Air Pistol, ISSF World Cup 2018 (Mexico) Gold Medal: Mixed Team, ISSF World Cup 2018 (Mexico) Gold Medal: 10m Air Pistol, ISSF Junior World Cup 2018 (Suhl)
Tokyo 2020 Olympics	10m Air Pistol: 7th place 25m Rapid Fire Pistol: Did not advance to finals
Asian Games 2023	10m Air Pistol: Gold Medal 25m Rapid Fire Pistol: Silver Medal
Records	Held multiple national records in various shooting events
Awards & Honors	Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: 2018 Padma Bhushan Award: 2020
Personal Life	Education: Completed her schooling from Delhi Public School, Gurgaon.
Social Media	Twitter: @mannubhaker Instagram: @manubhaker

Early Life and Background

Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana. Growing up in a region renowned for producing athletes, Manu initially dabbled in various sports, including boxing, skating, and even a Manipuri martial art called Thang Ta. However, it was in shooting that she found her true calling at the age of 14​.

Sports Minister Reveals Training Costs for Olympic Bronze Medalist Manu Bhaker

• Historic Achievement: Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting.

• Government Support: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Bhaker, calling her a "product of the ecosystem created by Khelo India".

• Financial Investment:

  • Total Expenditure: Around ₹2 crores were invested in Bhaker's training.
  • Training Locations: She was sent to Germany and Switzerland for specialized training.
  • Coaching Support: Financial assistance was provided for hiring her preferred coach.

• Past Achievements: Bhaker has numerous international medals, including gold from world championships and Khelo India Games.

• Olympic Performance:

  • Bronze Medal: Bhaker scored 221.7 points, ending a 12-year Olympic medal drought for India in shooting.
  • Previous Challenge: This win came after a setback at the Tokyo Olympics where her pistol malfunctioned.

• Event Highlights:

  • Gold Medal: South Korea's Ye Jin set an Olympic record with 243.2 points.
  • Silver Medal: Kim Yeji of South Korea scored 241.3 points.
  • Bhaker's Qualification: She finished third in the qualification round of Women's 10m Air Pistol.

• Future Prospects:

  • Mixed Team Event: Bhaker, along with Sarabjot Singh, is in contention for another medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
  • Upcoming Match: The duo will compete against Koreans Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho for the bronze medal on Tuesday.
    

Rise to Prominence

Manu's ascent in the shooting world was meteoric. Within a year of picking up the sport, she stunned the shooting community by defeating the seasoned Olympian Heena Sidhu at the 2017 National Shooting Championships, setting a new record in the process. This victory marked the beginning of a series of remarkable achievements.

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Major Achievements

2018: A Year of Triumphs

The year 2018 was a landmark one for Manu Bhaker. She made her debut at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she won a gold medal in the women's 10m air pistol event, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve this feat. She also clinched another gold in the mixed team event with Om Prakash Mitharval.

At the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Manu set a new record and won gold in the women's 10m air pistol event. Her success continued at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where she became the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal.​ 

Challenges and Comebacks

Despite her early successes, Manu faced challenges, notably at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where equipment malfunctions hindered her performance. However, she demonstrated resilience by bouncing back and winning medals at subsequent events, including the ISSF Junior World Cup and the Asian Games​.

Recent Accomplishments

Manu continued her winning streak with a gold medal in the 25m pistol event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and a silver at the 2022 Cairo ISSF World Championships. She secured a quota place for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, ensuring her continued presence on the global stage.

Personal Life

Manu Bhaker comes from a supportive family, with her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, being a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha, a school teacher. Despite her rigorous training schedule, Manu manages to find time for hobbies like needle-work, bungee jumping, and ice-skating.

Legacy and Impact

Manu Bhaker's journey from a small village to becoming an Olympic medallist is an inspiring story for many young athletes. Her achievements have not only brought her personal glory but have also significantly contributed to the popularity and recognition of shooting as a sport in India.

Her story is a reminder that with dedication and hard work, barriers can be broken, and new heights can be achieved. As Manu Bhaker continues to aim for excellence, she remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations of athletes.

Manu Bhaker at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Overview:

Manu Bhaker, a prominent Indian shooter, made her debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Events:

1. 10m Air Pistol (Women):

   • Qualification: Manu Bhaker qualified for the final with a strong performance in the qualification round.
   • Finals: In the finals, she faced stiff competition and ultimately finished in 7th place. Despite not securing a medal, her performance was commendable given the level of competition.

2. 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Women):

   • Qualification: She qualified for the final in this event as well.
   • Finals: Manu Bhaker did not advance past the qualification round in this event, which was a disappointing outcome.

Performance:

Manu Bhaker's performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was notable for her debut at such a high-profile event. Her 7th place finish in the 10m Air Pistol was a significant achievement, showcasing her potential on a global stage.

Manu Bhaker at Asian Games 2023

Overview:

Manu Bhaker participated in the Asian Games 2023, which were held in Hangzhou, China.

Events:

1. 10m Air Pistol (Women):

   • Performance: Manu Bhaker delivered an impressive performance in this event, securing the gold medal. Her skill and precision were evident throughout the competition.

2. 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Women):

   • Performance: She continued her strong form by winning a silver medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event. This achievement highlighted her versatility and proficiency across different shooting disciplines.

3. Mixed Team Events:

   • Performance: Manu Bhaker, in mixed team events, contributed significantly to the Indian team's success, further solidifying her reputation as a top shooter.

Performance:

At the Asian Games 2023, Manu Bhaker's performance was outstanding. Winning gold and silver medals showcased her skill, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. Her achievements at these games were a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker's journey from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to the Asian Games 2023 highlights her growth as a shooter. While the Olympics presented a challenging stage with a 7th place finish, her triumph at the Asian Games, including gold and silver medals, demonstrated her exceptional talent and resilience in the sport. Her achievements continue to inspire and contribute to India's prominence in shooting sports.