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Manu Bhaker, the celebrated Indian shooter who made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in the same Games, has shared a poignant throwback picture that captures her humble beginnings in the sport. The image, posted on social media, shows a young Manu practicing shooting with her schoolmates.Fast forward to today, Manu stands as one of India's most decorated Olympians, having etched her name in the annals of sporting history. Her journey to the pinnacle of success has been marked by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.Reflecting on her journey, Manu spoke candidly about the setbacks she faced, particularly after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. "It was very difficult for me to be confident again," she admitted. "But I know the taste of losing and then winning. It's the beauty of sports."Manu emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one's goals. "To achieve the goal, we must put in a lot of hard work and effort," she said. "It doesn't always start with aiming for something big, you also have to work to achieve it. If you can dream big, you can achieve big."Beyond her sporting achievements, Manu also stressed the significance of embracing one's cultural heritage. "I have travelled almost half of the world," she said. "I have seen different kinds of people and cultures, their backgrounds and struggles. We should never be ashamed of where we come from."Manu's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone who dares to dream big. Her message of resilience, hard work, and cultural pride resonates with all who seek to achieve greatness in their chosen fields.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two individual medals in a single edition of the Olympics. At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker showcased her exceptional talent and determination, securing a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's remarkable achievement has been met with widespread acclaim and recognition. Upon her return to India, she was felicitated at a ceremony where she was seen grooving to the popular song "Kala Chashma" with school children, a video of which has gone viral on social media.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the Indian contingent that returned from Paris with six medals, including Bhaker's historic haul. Bhaker proudly displayed the pistol that brought her two bronze medals to the Prime Minister, who expressed his admiration for her accomplishments.The Indian men's hockey team, which won its second consecutive bronze at the Paris Games, also presented the Prime Minister with a stick signed by all the players. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, posed with the Prime Minister, their bronze medals gleaming around their necks.Prime Minister Modi praised the efforts of the Indian contingent, stating that every player who participated in the Paris Olympics is a champion. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting sports and ensuring the development of top-quality sporting infrastructure in India.Bhaker's historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Her success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, is making the most of her time off by indulging in her hobbies and spending quality time with her family.During the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhaker shared glimpses of her celebrations on social media. She posted a picture with her brother, symbolizing the traditional ritual of siblings blessing each other with gifts.In another Instagram story, Bhaker showcased her culinary skills, hilariously captioning it as "making the right use of my holidays with classes from my mother."Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker has revealed her passion for martial arts. She plans to dedicate her time off to practicing this discipline, which she pursued as a teenager before transitioning to shooting."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," Bhaker told PTI. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that. Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies extend beyond martial arts to include horse riding, skating, fitness, and dance. She is particularly fond of Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance form."I was training in France, I wasn't able to get time, not able to cope up with the (Bharatnatyam) classes," said Bhaker, whose trainer is from Tamil Nadu.Bhaker's diverse interests and dedication to her hobbies demonstrate her well-rounded personality and her commitment to personal growth beyond her sporting achievements.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana, a formidable duo in Indian shooting, have forged an unbreakable bond that has propelled them to Olympic glory. Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy, describes Rana as a father figure who provides unwavering support and protection.Rana, a strict disciplinarian, believes his role extends beyond coaching. He aims to shield Bhaker from external pressures and even from herself. "My work is to protect her," he explains. "Sometimes, it means pushing her limits and reminding her of her capabilities."Bhaker's journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a disaster, with a malfunctioning weapon and disappointing performances. However, Rana's unwavering belief in her abilities helped her overcome the heartbreak."Tokyo taught me a lot," Bhaker reflects. "It made me realize the importance of preparation and mental health." Rana's guidance played a crucial role in her recovery, instilling in her a renewed determination to succeed.Despite her shooting prowess, Bhaker also values education. She scored exceptionally well in her 12th standard exams and pursued a degree at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi University. Rana strongly encourages his wards to prioritize education, believing it provides a safety net for their future.Bhaker's academic achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing sports and education, as it fosters a well-rounded development.Rana's unwavering support extends beyond shooting. He has encouraged Bhaker to pursue a course at the prestigious Nalanda University, a testament to his belief in her intellectual capabilities.The bond between Bhaker and Rana is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete's career. Together, they have overcome adversity and achieved Olympic success, setting an example for future generations of shooters.

Manu Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, has vehemently criticized the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) "ever-changing" Olympic selection policy. Rana believes that the lack of consistency has hindered the progress of promising shooters and will continue to do so if not addressed.Rana, a three-time Asiad gold medalist, questioned the federation's tendency to make last-minute policy changes and its refusal to acknowledge the role of personal coaches. He cited the examples of Saurabh Chaudhary and Jitu Rai, who faded away after showing great promise."The selection policy changes every six months," Rana said. "We need a clear and consistent policy that we can stick to."Rana also expressed concern about the lack of protection for Olympic and world medalists. He noted that Bhaker, despite winning two medals in Paris, will have to fight for a place in the national squad upon her return from a break."We don't see Olympic medalists after one or two Olympics because there is no system to protect them," Rana said. "They should be allowed to compete in every trial."Rana emphasized the importance of collaboration between personal and national coaches. He believes that one person should take the lead, but there should be mutual understanding.Bhaker thanked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha for ensuring that Rana could assist her in Paris. She said that Usha's support was crucial in her success.Rana's criticism highlights the need for a stable and transparent selection policy that supports the development of shooters and ensures their long-term success.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, has emerged as a beacon of hope for India after her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. Having endured the disappointment of Tokyo, Bhaker's journey to redemption has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering belief.In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Bhaker shared her insights into the lessons she learned from Tokyo and the strategies she employed to achieve success in Paris. Overcoming her fears and embracing a confident mindset proved crucial. She also emphasized the importance of consistent training and the ability to adapt to different match scenarios.Bhaker's brilliance in the mixed event was a testament to her exceptional skills and the support of her coach, Jaspal Rana. She attributed her success to the meticulous planning and preparation that went into each competition.Reflecting on India's overall performance at Paris, Bhaker acknowledged the talent and potential of Indian athletes. However, she stressed the need for better planning, scouting, and support for young athletes. She believes that grassroots development and early identification of talent are essential for India to close the gap on the top medal winners at the Olympics.Bhaker also highlighted the importance of supporting former Olympians like Saurabh Chaudhary, who she considers the finest shooter she has ever witnessed. She urged authorities to provide opportunities for athletes to regain their form and contribute to India's sporting success.Bhaker's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into triumphs with the right mindset and unwavering determination.

Manu Bhaker, India's double Olympic medalist in shooting, is taking a well-deserved three-month break to recover from a bruised shooting hand. However, this break is not a vacation for the 22-year-old. She will continue her daily routines, including yoga and waking up at 6 am, and pursue her hobbies, such as horse riding, skating, Bharatnatyam, and violin practice.Bhaker's shooting hand has been injured for the past eight months due to repeated pistol recoils during training. The break is necessary for her hand to heal fully. Despite the injury, Bhaker remains optimistic and plans to make the most of her time off."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," said Bhaker, who was a karate kid in her teens before switching to shooting. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that (martial arts). Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies include horse riding, skating, fitness, Bharatnatyam, and violin. She is particularly excited about horse riding, which she has been learning for some time. However, her coach, Jaspal Rana, has expressed disapproval of this hobby, citing safety concerns."Skating and horse riding are something she should not be doing and she'll be responsible for whatever happens," said Rana. "Who rides a horse thinking that they will fall?"Bhaker is determined to pursue her hobbies responsibly and has assured Rana that she will be careful. She is also looking forward to skydiving and scuba diving, which she has been waiting to do for a long time.Rana emphasized that the break is essential for Bhaker's recovery. "This (pointing to her injured hand) is the reason we are making her rest for three months. Because this (injury) has been for the last eight months and it has not healed till now," said Rana.Bhaker will not compete in the ISSF World Cup Final in October or the national championships and camps that will follow. She will focus on her recovery and return to shooting in three months.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception at his residence in New Delhi to honor the Indian contingent that returned from the recently concluded Paris Olympics with a remarkable haul of six medals. The contingent included history-making shooter Manu Bhaker, who showcased the pistol with which she clinched two bronze medals.The Indian men's hockey team, which secured its second consecutive bronze at the Paris Games, presented the Prime Minister with a stick signed by all the players. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and featuring the recently retired PR Sreejesh, posed with the Prime Minister, proudly displaying their bronze medals.Bhaker, who became the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, enthusiastically explained to the Prime Minister the intricacies of the pistol she used to shoot down two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed event.Sarabjot Singh, Bhaker's teammate in the 10m air pistol mixed event, also engaged in a conversation with the Prime Minister. Swapnil Kusale, who won a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions, shared his experiences with the Prime Minister.Wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who secured a bronze in the men's freestyle 57kg category, presented the Prime Minister with an India jersey bearing his signature.Silver medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was absent from the reception as he had traveled to Germany for medical consultation and potential participation in the Diamond League Meetings in Europe.Prime Minister Modi addressed the contingent members and interacted with several of them, including shuttler Lakshya Sen. Tokyo Olympics medallists Lovlina Borgohain (boxing) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) were also present at the reception.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha accompanied the contingent.Earlier in the day, the contingent members attended the historic Red Fort, where Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker shared her journey to the podium at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, where she secured two bronze medals.Bhaker's Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 ended in heartbreak due to a pistol malfunction. However, she returned to Paris with a renewed determination and a meticulously planned training regime. "We trained in a way that we were hoping for medals," she revealed. "We planned in a way that things turn out good and this worked in our favour this time."Bhaker's success in Paris is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing popularity of shooting in India. "Any achievement is enough to give us motivation," she said. "I think India has a huge amount of talent. I think it will take some time but we will have great talents in the future."Bhaker's medals are particularly inspiring for young girls who aspire to pursue shooting as a career. "I think the parents would be much more flexible with the girls, and the people would accept shooting more after this celebration," she added.The 22-year-old's bronze medals came in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. She narrowly missed out on a third bronze in the 25m pistol, finishing a commendable fourth.Bhaker's achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also set a new benchmark for Indian shooters. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering focus serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.