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Who is Manu Bhaker? India's First-Ever Woman Shooter to Win a Medal at Olympics
by Travelopod
July 29, 2024
On Sunday, 22-year-old Manu Bhaker clinched a bronze medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory is historic for India, as she became India's first-ever woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympics. Her triumph also ended a 12-year medal drought for India in Olympic shooting, with the previous medals being won at the London 2012 Games, where Vijay Kumar earned silver in the rapid-fire pistol, and Gagan Narang secured bronze in the 10-meter air rifle event. Overall, this is India’s fifth Olympic medal in shooting.
Manu Bhaker also made history as the first Indian female shooter to advance to the final of an individual event at the Olympics in two decades. The last time an Indian woman reached an Olympic final in shooting was in Athens in 2004 when Suma Shirur competed in the 10-meter air rifle event.
Early Life of Manu Bhaker
Early Life of Manu Bhaker
Born in Goria village of Jhajjar district in Haryana, Manu Bhaker showed an early talent for sports. Before focusing on shooting, she excelled in several other sports, winning national-level medals in boxing, skating, and tennis by the age of 14.
Inspired by the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bhaker decided to pursue shooting as a career. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, bought her a sports pistol, after which she began training in the sport.
Meteoric Rise of Manu Bhaker
Meteoric Rise of Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker made her international debut by winning a silver medal at the. That same year, she dominated the National Games in Kerala, winning nine gold medals.
In 2018, at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Mexico, she won the gold medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest Indian to ever win a gold medal at the World Cup. She also won another gold medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the same World Cup.
Her next significant achievement came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal at 16. At the Asian Games that year, Bhaker set a new record with a score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25-meter air pistol event, although she did not win a medal, finishing sixth in the final. She then claimed a gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics, becoming the first shooter and the first female athlete from India to achieve this feat.
In February 2019, Bhaker won another gold medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. In May 2019, she qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but did not win a medal in any of the three events she participated in. She made a strong comeback by winning a gold medal for India in the women's 25-meter pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games. Throughout her career, Manu Bhaker has amassed an impressive 15 gold medals across various competitions.
Educational Background of Manu Bhaker
Educational Background of Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, India's first-ever woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympics graduated with an Honors degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi in 2021. She is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration at Punjab University.
Major Awards
Major Awards
Manu Bhaker has received several prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award in 2020 from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India. She was also honored with the Best Young Athlete Award in 2019 at the Sportstar Aces Awards in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manu Bhaker known for?
What is Manu Bhaker known for?
Manu Bhaker is known for being India's first-ever woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympics, making history with her bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
How did Manu Bhaker start her shooting career?
How did Manu Bhaker start her shooting career?
Manu Bhaker started her shooting career after being inspired by the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her father bought her a sports pistol, and she began training seriously in the sport.
What are some of Manu Bhaker's significant achievements?
What are some of Manu Bhaker's significant achievements?
Manu Bhaker's significant achievements include winning gold medals at the ISSF World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Youth Olympics, and the Asian Games. She has a total of 15 gold medals across various competitions.
Where did Manu Bhaker receive her education?
Where did Manu Bhaker receive her education?
Manu Bhaker graduated with an Honours degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, and is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration at Punjab University.
What awards has Manu Bhaker received?
What awards has Manu Bhaker received?
Manu Bhaker has received the Arjuna Award from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India, and the Best Young Athlete Award at the Sportstar Aces Awards.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker's journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming India's first-ever woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympics is truly inspiring. Her dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have made her a role model for aspiring athletes across the country. With her recent win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she has not only made history but also set a new benchmark for Indian shooters on the global stage.
Travelopod wishes all the teams and countries the best of luck in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
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