Manu Bhaker : Indian Professional Shooter

Manu Bhaker is one of India’s brightest young shooting stars, known for her remarkable achievements in the sport at a very young age. Born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, Manu’s journey to success began in a humble rural setting. Initially, she was engaged in a variety of sports, including boxing, skating, and martial arts, before finally settling on shooting in 2017 at the age of 15. Her rapid rise in the sport has been nothing short of spectacular.

Early Life and Background

Manu grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her sporting interests. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, is an engineer in the Merchant Navy, and he played a key role in motivating her to pursue her dreams. From a young age, Manu demonstrated extraordinary talent across multiple sports, winning medals in skating and boxing at the national level. However, it was shooting that ultimately captivated her attention, leading to her shift from physical sports to precision-based shooting.

Entry into Shooting

Manu’s entry into shooting came in 2017 when she was just 15 years old. With an intense focus on the 10-meter air pistol category, she quickly made waves in the Indian shooting circuit. Within a year, she had not only learned the nuances of the sport but also began competing at the national level, where her talent was recognized almost immediately.

Rise to Fame

In 2018, just a year after taking up competitive shooting, Manu Bhaker made a remarkable debut on the international stage. At the ISSF World Cup in Mexico, she won two gold medals in the 10-meter air pistol and mixed team pistol events. At just 16 years old, she became the youngest Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the World Cup.

Her next major achievement came during the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, where she dominated the 10-meter air pistol event and won the gold medal. This victory further cemented her reputation as a top-notch shooter, capable of competing with the best in the world.

Manu also had a successful stint at the 2018 Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She became the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games, demonstrating her composure and maturity under pressure. Her achievements in 2018 alone brought her widespread recognition and numerous accolades in India.

Continued Success

In 2019, Bhaker continued to excel in the shooting world, winning several medals in prestigious events such as the ISSF World Cup and the Asian Shooting Championships. Her remarkable consistency across events has made her one of India’s best prospects for future Olympic glory.

In preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker remained in top form, participating in international events to sharpen her skills. Though the pandemic delayed the Olympics, she continued to train and prepare, eventually representing India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. While she narrowly missed a medal in the Olympics, her dedication and talent have made her a formidable force in the sport.

Challenges and Achievements

Manu Bhaker has faced several challenges in her journey, including the pressure of being a young athlete and the intense competition at the international level. Despite this, she has demonstrated resilience and perseverance, constantly pushing herself to improve.

In terms of accolades, Bhaker has received numerous honors in India, including being a part of the country’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which supports top athletes preparing for major competitions. Her ability to handle high-pressure situations at such a young age is a testament to her mental strength and discipline.

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker’s journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an international shooting star is a story of passion, determination, and hard work. With her sights set on further achievements, including a potential Olympic medal, Manu Bhaker is a role model for young athletes in India. Her achievements so far highlight the depth of her talent and her potential for continued success on the global stage.