Manu Bhaker has risen to prominence as a formidable force in competitive shooting. Her remarkable achievements culminated at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won bronze medals in both the 10m air pistol event and the 10m mixed double event. This extraordinary feat not only opened India’s medal account at the Games, but also made Bhaker the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. Her journey from a small-town athlete to an Olympic champion is a testament to the power of dreams, dedication and hard work.
Manu Bhaker Early Life and Background
Born on February 18, 2002, in Goriya village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, Manu Bhaker’s early years were filled with diverse athletic activities.
Her father Ram Kishan Bhaker is a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy and played a key role in nurturing Manu’s sporting ambitions. Initially excelling in various sports like judo, boxing, tennis and skating, Manu displayed her athletic versatility from a young age. At the age of 14, she decided to focus on shooting, with her father supporting this decision by investing ₹1,50,000 in her training and equipment.
Her serious commitment to the sport soon bore fruit, with early success at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships, where she won a silver medal. Career Advancement Manu’s breakthrough came at the 2017 National Games in Kerala, where she won nine gold medals and set a national record with a score of 242.3 points in the final of the 10m air pistol event. This performance established her as a rising star in Indian shooting. In 2018, Manu Bhaker gained international fame at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. At just 16, she won the gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, defeating seasoned champion Alejandra Zavala with a score of 237.5. She then won a second gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Om Prakash Mitharwal, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Bhakre continued her impressive form at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where she set a new record with a score of 240.9 in the women’s 10m air pistol event and won the gold medal. Her impressive form continued at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she topped the points table and became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games. She also had the honour of being the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
Manu Bhaker Achievements and Achievements
Throughout 2019, Manu Bhaker dominated the 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ISSF World Cup, winning multiple gold medals with her partner Saurabh Chaudhary. Her success continued with a team gold with Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan in the women’s 25m pistol event at the 2022 Asian Games.
| Result | Sport | Event | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Paris 2024 | # 3 | Shooting | 10m Air Pistol Women |
| Team | |||
 Tokyo 2020 | # 7 | Shooting | 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team |
| Team | # 12 | Shooting | 10m Air Pistol Women |
| # 15 | Shooting | 25m Pistol Women |
Manu Bhaker Facing Challenges*
Despite her successes, Manu faced several challenges. At the 2018 Asian Games, despite shooting a record score of 593 in the 25m air pistol qualification round, she finished sixth in the final. A similar setback followed at the 2019 Munich ISSF World Cup, when a poor pistol cost her the top spot. Nevertheless, she showed her perseverance and qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 10m pistol event.
Manu Bhaker Legacy and Impact
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a huge achievement for India. Her journey from a small village to the Olympic podium is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication. Bhaker’s success not only highlights her exceptional skills but is also a ray of hope for aspiring athletes. Her story is a powerful reminder that with unwavering commitment and courage, dreams can indeed become reality. Manu Bhaker’s achievements continue to inspire and motivate young athletes to pursue their aspirations with hope and determination.
