Manu Bhaker's from Haryana Village to Paris Olympic Bronze Medalist

Manu Bhaker, hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She secured a bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. Born in 2002, Manu has consistently excelled in various competitions, including the Youth Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, earning the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Manu Bhaker for her remarkable achievement. He tweeted: "India is proud of Manu Bhaker for winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. Her dedication and hard work have brought glory to our nation." This sentiment was echoed by President Murmu and other notable figures, highlighting the national pride in her success.

Manu's Journey to Success

Manu Bhaker's journey began in Jhajjar, Haryana, where she was born on February 18, 2002. From a young age, she showed interest in various sports like boxing, tennis, and skating before finding her true passion in shooting. Her international debut came in 2017, and she quickly made her mark with impressive performances.

At the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Manu won a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, making her the first Indian shooter to achieve this feat at the Youth Olympics. She has also clinched multiple medals at ISSF World Cup events, including gold medals in both individual and mixed team competitions.

Early Achievements

Manu's first gold medal came at just 16 years old when she triumphed in the 10m Air Pistol event at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara. Her success continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where she secured another gold medal in the same event. Her partnership with fellow Indian shooter Abhishek Verma proved fruitful at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where they clinched a gold medal in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event. Additionally, she received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020.

Paris Olympics Triumph

In Paris, Manu showcased exceptional skill and composure against her Korean counterparts Kim Yeji and Oh Yeh Jin. She scored a total of 221.7 points to secure her bronze medal. This victory marked a redemption after her pistol malfunctioned during the Tokyo Olympics. Manu is set to compete again on Monday with Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team qualification. The nation eagerly awaits their performance.
Manu Bhaker's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics is more than just an individual triumph; it is a victory for her community and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country. The entire nation celebrates Manu's success as she continues to inspire young athletes across India with her achievements and dedication to shooting.