Manu Bhaker’s performance at the Paris Olympics has undoubtedly elevated her to the pantheon of Indian sporting greats. While her final position in the 25m pistol event was heartbreaking, her overall contribution to the country’s Olympic campaign is immeasurable.
Manu Bhaker has bagged two bronze medals at Paris Olympics in 10m event, becoming the first Indian (post-independence) to do so in a single Olympic year. The 22-year-old also finished on 4th at 25m pistol event. She is also a World Championship winner.
Manu Bhaker: Trailblazer in Indian Shooting
Olympic Performance
- Paris 2024:
- Two Bronze Medals: 10m Air Pistol Individual and Mixed Team
- Fourth Place: 25m Pistol Final
- First Indian Shooter to Win Multiple Medals at a Single Olympics
Career Highlights
- World Championship: Silver medal in 25m Pistol (Cairo 2022)
- Asian Games: Gold medal in 25m Pistol Team (2022)
- World Cup: Bronze medal in 25m Pistol (Bhopal 2023)
- Youth Olympics: Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol (Buenos Aires 2018)
- Khelo India University Games: Gold medals in 25m Pistol Team and 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team (2022)
Early Life and Career
- Hailing from: Jhajjar, Haryana
- Background: Introduced to shooting at the age of 14
- Rapid Rise: Won nine gold medals at the National Shooting Championships in 2017, defeating renowned shooter Heena Sidhu.
- Breakthrough Year: 2018 marked her breakthrough year with a Commonwealth Games gold medal at the age of 16.
- Olympic Debut: Tokyo 2020
- Training Base: Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi
Manu Bhaker: Comparison with Indian sporting icons
To gauge Manu Bhaker’s standing among India’s greatest athletes, it’s essential to compare her achievements with those of legendary figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu and Vishwanathan Anand.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Often hailed as the ‘God of Cricket’, Tendulkar’s impact on Indian sports is unparalleled. His record-breaking career spanning decades and his ability to inspire millions set an exceptionally high bar. While Bhaker’s achievements are significant, the longevity and global impact of Tendulkar’s career place him in a league of his own.
- Neeraj Chopra: The Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw has captured the nation’s imagination with his athletic prowess. His single, iconic achievement of winning India’s first Olympic gold in athletics places him in a unique category. While Bhaker’s multiple medals are commendable, Chopra’s gold medal holds a special significance. Also, Neeraj is one of those rare athletes from India who has achieved everything in his sport, from World Championship gold to Olympic glory.
- Vishwanathan Anand: As a five-time World Chess Champion, Anand’s dominance in his sport is undeniable. His consistent performance at the highest level for over two decades has solidified his position as a chess legend. Bhaker’s achievements, while impressive, are yet to match Anand’s sustained excellence.
- PV Sindhu: PV Sindhu and Manu Bhaker represent two different eras of Indian sports but share a common thread: Olympic glory. Sindhu, with her consistent performance and back-to-back Olympic medals (silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020), has been a flagbearer for Indian badminton, breaking new ground for women’s sports in the country. While Sindhu’s journey has been marked by longevity and consistency, Bhaker’s rapid rise to prominence is equally impressive. Both athletes have inspired generations of young Indians to dream big and pursue their athletic aspirations.
Manu Bhaker enduring legacy
While Manu Bhaker may not yet reach the same iconic status as Sachin Tendulkar, PV Sindhu, Neeraj Chopra, or Vishwanathan Anand, her performance at the Paris Olympics has undoubtedly left an enduring legacy. She has become a role model for aspiring athletes, inspiring millions to pursue their dreams.
Bhaker’s ability to win multiple medals at a single Olympics is a remarkable feat that showcases India’s growing prowess in shooting. Her journey from a young talent to a national hero is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
While comparisons to sporting legends are inevitable, it’s essential to recognize Bhaker’s individual achievements and the impact she has had on Indian sports. Her legacy is still being written, and future generations will look up to her as a source of inspiration.
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