Press Information Bureau

Manu Bhaker, an Indian Olympian from Jhajjar, Haryana, has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of shooting. Manu's journey into sports started with activities like tennis, skating, and boxing during her school years. She also excelled in the traditional martial art of 'thang ta,' securing medals at the national level. However, it was a spontaneous decision to try shooting at the age of 14, right after the 2016 Rio Olympics, that set the course for her illustrious career. Today, Manu Bhaker creates history as the first Indian Woman Shooter to win an Olympic medal!

[1]

Rising Star: Early Achievements

Manu Bhaker's shooting career took off rapidly along the lines of excellence. In the 2017 National Shooting Championships, she made headlines by winning nine gold medals, including a record-breaking performance in the 10m Air Pistol final. Her score of 242.3 surpassed that of the esteemed Olympian and former world No. 1, Heena Sidhu. This achievement marked the beginning of her rise in the sport.

[2]

The year 2018 proved to be a breakthrough for Manu as she became a teenage sensation by winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games at just 16. Her success continued at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she clinched the gold medal in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event, defeating two-time champion Alejandra Zavala of Mexico.[3]

Olympic Journey and Beyond

In 2019, Manu Bhaker secured an Olympics quota place with a commendable fourth-place finish at the Munich ISSF World Cup. However, her debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics did not go as planned. Despite this setback, she bounced back with remarkable performances. Shortly after the Tokyo Games, Manu became the Junior World Champion in the Women's 10m Air Pistol at the World Championship in Lima. She continued to excel, winning a silver medal in the Women's 25m Pistol at the 2022 Cairo World Championships and a gold in the same event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.[4]

Recent Triumphs and Future Aspirations

Manu's journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of excellence. At the 2022 Asian Games, she secured a gold medal in the Women's 25m Pistol Team event. The following year, at the World Championship in Baku, she again struck gold in the same category. Her consistent performances have also earned her a quota place for the Paris 2024 Olympics, thanks to her fifth-place finish in the 25m Pistol at the 2023 Asian Shooting Championship in Changwon.

Key Government Interventions

The Indian government has supported Manu Bhaker throughout her journey, providing substantial financial assistance under various schemes. As part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Manu received Rs. 28,78,634 to support her training and competition needs. Additionally, under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), she was allocated Rs. 1,35,36,155. This funding has been instrumental in covering expenses related to ammunition, weapon servicing, pellet and ammunition testing, and barrel selection. Furthermore, the assistance has facilitated her training with personal coach Jaspal Rana, including sessions in Luxembourg, in preparation for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The government's support has been crucial in enabling Manu to focus on her training and excel on the international stage, as evidenced by her achievements, including gold medals at the Asian Games and World Championships.

A Promising Future

As Manu Bhaker continues to shine on the international stage, her journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. Her transition from a multi-sport enthusiast to a world-class shooter showcases her versatility and determination. Her achievements, dedication, and resilience make her a true icon in Indian sports.

References

https://olympic.ind.in/athletes-hub

Pathway to Paris pdf

Indian Atheletes: Paris Olympics 2024 pdf

https://x.com/PIB_India/status/1817529677164212654

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2038138#:~:text=In%20a%20historic%20achievement%2C%20Manu,the%20London%202012%20Olympic%20Games.

Click here to see PDF.

*****

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena / SheetalAngral /Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal

(Backgrounder ID: 151971) Visitor Counter : 13