Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, is a name that has become synonymous with precision and excellence in the world of shooting sports. From her humble beginnings to becoming an Olympian, her journey is a testament to dedication, talent, and resilience.
Early Life and Background
Manu's journey into the world of sports began at an early age. Growing up in a small village, she was exposed to various sports, excelling in disciplines like Huyen Langlon, boxing, tennis, and skating. Her early achievements in these sports, including winning medals at national games, set the stage for her future in competitive sports.
Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, who works as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, played a pivotal role in her transition from multi-sport athlete to a focused shooter. With an investment of ₹1,50,000, Ram Kishan supported Manu’s decision to pursue shooting professionally, a decision that would soon lead her to national and international fame.
The Rise in Shooting
Manu's entry into competitive shooting was marked by rapid success. She first gained international recognition with a silver medal at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships. Her breakthrough came in the 2017 National Games held in Kerala, where she won nine gold medals, surpassing the records of several prominent shooters, including Heena Sidhu.
In 2018, Manu's shooting prowess was showcased on a global stage. At the ISSF World Cup held in Guadalajara, Mexico, she won her first gold medal in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event. At just 16, she became the youngest Indian to achieve this feat. Her remarkable performance in the final, where she scored 237.5 points, edged out Mexico’s Alejandra Zavala, a two-time World Cup champion.
Manu’s success continued with another gold at the World Cup in the 10-meter Air Pistol mixed team event, partnered with Om Prakash Mitharval. The pair’s score of 476.1 points was enough to secure victory over the German duo Sandra and Christian Reitz.
Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics
The 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, were another milestone in Manu’s career. At just 16, she won the gold medal in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event, setting a new Commonwealth Games record with a score of 240.9 points. This victory was a testament to her exceptional talent and composure under pressure.
In the same year, Manu Bhaker made history at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. She became the first Indian shooter and the first female athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games. Her performance in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event, with a final score of 236.5, was a highlight of her burgeoning career.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her early success, Manu faced challenges along the way. The 2018 Asian Games, where she set a record in the qualification round but finished 6th in the final, was a tough moment. Similarly, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Manu faced mixed results. She finished 12th in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol and 15th in the 25-meter pistol event. In the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, she and her partner finished 7th.
These challenges, however, did not deter her spirit. Manu’s resilience was evident as she continued to perform at the highest level. In February 2019, she won the gold medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi.
International Success
In the 2019 ISSF World Cups, Manu Bhaker’s consistency was remarkable. She secured gold in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team events across various venues, including Putian, New Delhi, and Beijing. These victories solidified her status as one of the leading shooters globally.
Recent Achievements and Future Prospects
Manu's recent achievements include gold medals at the ISSF Junior World Championships in Lima (2021) and various ISSF Junior World Cups. Her performance at these events, including a gold medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi (2021), highlights her continued excellence and promise.
Looking ahead, Manu is preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she will compete in the 10-meter air pistol and 25-meter pistol events, along with the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event. Her trajectory suggests that she is set to make a significant impact on the global shooting stage.
Manu Bhaker’s journey from a young sports enthusiast in a small village to an internationally recognized shooting star is inspiring. Her achievements, including multiple World Cup titles, Commonwealth Games gold, and a Youth Olympic gold, are a testament to her skill, hard work, and dedication. As she continues to aim for new heights in her career, Manu Bhaker remains a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for India in the world of shooting sports.
