Manu Bhaker- The Young Prodigy Redefining Shooting Standards

Introduction

Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India, has rapidly risen to prominence as one of India’s most talented and promising shooters.

Her journey from a small village to the global stage is a testament to her dedication, skill, and determination. This blog explores her early life, career achievements, and the impact she has made on the world of shooting.

Early Life and Introduction to Shooting

Manu Bhaker’s interest in sports began at a young age. Initially, she engaged in a variety of sports, including boxing, tennis, and skating.

Her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, always encouraged her to pursue her interests. However, it was shooting that eventually captured her heart.

Manu’s passion for shooting was ignited when she visited a shooting range in her school at the age of 14. Recognizing her talent, her parents supported her decision to pursue shooting seriously.

Manu’s determination and hard work paid off as she quickly progressed through the ranks, showcasing her exceptional skills and precision.

Rise to Prominence

Manu Bhaker’s breakthrough came in 2017 when she won nine gold medals at the National Games. This victory marked the beginning of her meteoric rise in the shooting world.

She continued to impress at the international level, making her mark in the 2018 ISSF World Cup held in Mexico. At just 16 years old, Manu won two gold medals in the 10m air pistol and the mixed team event, partnering with Om Prakash Mitharval.

This remarkable achievement made her the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. Her success didn’t stop there. Manu Bhaker went on to win multiple medals at various international competitions, establishing herself as a formidable competitor.

In the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia, she clinched the gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, setting a new Commonwealth Games record with a score of 240.9.

Her performance earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

Continued Success and Challenges

Manu Bhaker’s consistent performances continued to earn her accolades and medals. She won multiple medals at the ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, and Youth Olympics.

At the 2018 Youth Olympic Games held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Manu won the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event, further solidifying her reputation as a shooting prodigy. However, her journey has not been without challenges.

In the 2019 ISSF World Cup held in Munich, Manu faced technical issues with her pistol, which affected her performance. Despite the setback, she displayed remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back stronger in subsequent competitions.

Let’s have a look at the medals won by her in major events on the international stage-

• Two gold medals at the World University Games.
• Three gold medals and one silver medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup.
• Four gold medals and one bronze medal at the ISSF Junior World Championships.
• One gold medal and one silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
• One gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
• Two gold medals at the Asian Airgun Championships.
• Two gold medals at the Asian Shooting Championships.
• Nine gold medals and two silver medals at the ISSF World Cup.
• One gold medal and one silver medal at the World Championships.

Olympic Dreams and Future Prospects

Manu Bhaker’s ultimate goal has always been to represent India at the Olympics and bring home a medal. She qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in both the 10m air pistol and the 25m sports pistol events.

Although she didn’t secure a medal at the Olympics, her participation at such a young age was a significant achievement in itself. Manu’s experience at the Olympics has undoubtedly added to her growth as a shooter, and she remains determined to achieve her Olympic dreams in the future.

With the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, Manu looks forward to fulfilling her dream of winning an Olympic medal and making the nation proud.

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker’s journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming one of India’s top shooters is a remarkable story of talent, hard work, and perseverance.

Her achievements at a young age have already left an indelible mark on the world of shooting, and her future prospects look incredibly promising. As she continues to aim for greater heights, Manu Bhaker is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of sports.

Her legacy will inspire generations of athletes to come, reminding them that with determination and dedication, no dream is too big to achieve.

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