The Remarkable Rise of Manu Bhaker, From Jhajjar to Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker from Haryana has once again brought pride to India by winning a bronze medal in shooting. While her parents had initially envisioned different paths for her—her mother hoped she would become a doctor and her father wished she would take up boxing—Manu chose shooting and has now brought honor to her country.

India secured its first medal at the Paris Olympics thanks to Manu Bhaker, the daughter of Jhajjar in Haryana. Competing in the women’s 10-meter air rifle event, Manu clinched the silver medal, sparking celebrations in her family and her hometown, Goria.

The journey of Manu Bhaker becoming a renowned shooter is quite remarkable, especially considering her parents’ initial ambitions for her. Her mother, Dr. Sumedha Bhaker, a school principal, had hoped her daughter would pursue a career in medicine. Meanwhile, her father, Ram kishan, dreamed of her becoming a boxer, inspired by her elder brother who was also a boxer. However, fate had different plans for Manu.

Manu’s path to shooting was not straightforward. Before settling on shooting, she dabbled in various sports, including boxing, archery, tennis, and skating. Despite her efforts and successes in these sports, none of them captured her interest as shooting eventually did.

Dr. Sumedha Bhaker had long hoped her daughter would follow in her footsteps and become a doctor. However, a school teacher’s advice changed the course of Manu’s life. The teacher suggested that instead of pursuing a career in medicine, Manu should take up sports, arguing that excelling in sports and winning medals would bring her national and international recognition. Heeding this advice, Manu’s mother encouraged her to explore sports.

Initially, Manu tried boxing, following in her elder brother’s footsteps. She even won medals at the national level. However, an eye injury during practice led her to reconsider her future in boxing. With her eye swollen and in pain, Manu decided to quit boxing. Her next attempt was in martial arts, but she felt there was too much cheating involved in the sport, prompting her to leave it as well.

Manu then tried her hand at archery, tennis, and skating, but none of these sports seemed to fit. Finally, she discovered shooting, and this choice proved to be the right one. Her dedication and talent in shooting have earned her numerous accolades, culminating in her recent victory at the Paris Olympics, where she won a bronze medal.