Manu Bhaker: The Shooting Star of India
Pistol ace Manu Bhaker has become the pride of the nation after securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. Her historic achievement not only makes her the first woman shooter to stand on the Games podium but also the first post-independence athlete to win two medals for India in the same edition of the Olympic Games.
Since leading the Indian contingent as the flagbearer alongside hockey icon PR Sreejesh at the closing ceremony in Paris, the 22-year-old Manu has been grabbing headlines everywhere. She even graces the cover of the latest edition of ‘Cosmopolitan’ magazine.
In a recent interview with the magazine, she was asked about a sports person she would love to spend a day with. Manu expressed her admiration for legendary Jamaican runner Usain Bolt, citing how she has read his book, followed his journey, and watched his interviews.
When it comes to Indian sports personalities, Manu’s list includes three cricket icons – Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. She mentioned that it would be an honor for her to spend even an hour with any of them.
Manu’s stellar performance at the Paris Games included a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. The shooting contingent played a significant role in India’s medal tally, contributing three out of the six medals won in Paris. Apart from Manu’s achievements, Swapnil Kusale secured a bronze in the men’s 50m 3 Positions event.
Other notable medal winners for India in Paris were javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra (silver), wrestler Aman Sehrawat (bronze), and the men’s hockey team (bronze).
