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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.

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.

Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting sensation, etched her name in history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian since independence to bag two medals in a single edition of the Games. India's overall medal tally stood at six, with Bhaker contributing two. She secured a bronze in the women's individual 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker's remarkable performance earned her the honor of being India's flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.However, Bhaker's Olympic triumph was overshadowed by rumors surrounding her personal life. Videos emerged on social media showing her interacting closely with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won a silver medal in Paris. The videos sparked speculation about a potential romantic relationship between the two athletes.Addressing the rumors, Bhaker stated, "I don't know much about it. I wasn't there when this happened. But since 2018, we have been meeting on the sidelines of events. We don't have that much interaction otherwise. During events, we talk a little. But there is no truth to the rumors that are going around."Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan, further dismissed the speculations, emphasizing that his daughter is too young for marriage. "Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now," he said.Kishan also shed light on the close bond between Bhaker's mother and Chopra. "Manu's mother considers Neeraj like her son," he explained.Chopra's uncle also addressed the marriage rumors, stating, "Just as Neeraj brought the medal, the entire country got to know about it. Similarly, when he marries, then everyone will know."Despite the rumors, Bhaker remains focused on her shooting career. Her historic achievement at the Paris Olympics has cemented her status as one of India's most promising young athletes.

Paris Olympic double medalist Manu Bhaker is considering skipping the upcoming World Cup in New Delhi in October due to a planned three-month break from shooting. The 22-year-old made history in Paris, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in shooting. She earned bronze in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, confirmed her decision to take a break. "I am not sure whether she will be at the Shooting World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break. It's a normal break, she has been training for a long time," Rana told PTI Videos.The Shooting World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 18. Rana, who played a crucial role in Bhaker's Olympic success, said they will focus on peaking at the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games after her break.Bhaker's decision to take a break highlights the importance of rest and recovery for athletes. Despite her recent success, she recognizes the need to recharge and prepare for future challenges. The three-month break will allow her to physically and mentally reset, ensuring she returns to competition stronger and more motivated.The Indian shooting contingent has performed exceptionally well in recent international events, including the Paris Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Bhaker's decision to take a break is a testament to the team's commitment to long-term success and their understanding of the importance of athlete well-being.

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, expressed mixed emotions about India's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While acknowledging the team's achievement in matching its London 2012 medal haul, Bindra lamented the absence of a gold medal.India sent a 117-member contingent to Paris, hoping to surpass its previous best Olympic performance in Tokyo. However, the team returned with six medals: five bronze and one silver. Bindra believes this result falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of gold medals."The Olympics is an incredibly challenging platform to perform on," Bindra said. "External and internal expectations can hinder athletes from letting go and performing at their best."India's campaign began promisingly with Manu Bhaker winning two bronze medals in shooting. Swapnil Kusale added a third bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 position. However, the badminton, boxing, and archery contingents failed to deliver medals.In the final days of the Games, Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in javelin throw, while the men's hockey team and wrestler Aman Sehrawat clinched bronze. Vinesh Phogat's disqualification prevented India from potentially winning a gold medal in wrestling.Despite the disappointment, Bindra emphasized the importance of continued investment in Olympic sports. "We must consolidate the gains that have been made and work harder to get there," he said.Bindra believes that India's athletes have performed well overall, but the lack of gold medals remains a concern. He urged athletes to focus on their own performance rather than external expectations.

India's performance at the Paris Olympics, while not as impressive as the Tokyo Games, still showcased progress and potential. Despite a dip in medal count from seven to six, India's athletes demonstrated resilience and determination.Neeraj Chopra, India's most decorated Olympian, emphasized the importance of considering fourth-place finishes and the quality of performances. India had four fourth-place finishes, including a potential medallist who was disqualified for not meeting weight requirements.While shooting was absent from India's medal tally in Tokyo, it contributed three medals in Paris, along with three fourth-place finishes. Boxing and badminton, which had delivered medals in Tokyo, failed to do so in Paris, raising questions about their preparation and performance.Despite significant financial investment in preparation, India's athletes faced challenges in athletics, where the gap between India and the world's best remains wide. However, exceptional individuals like Chopra continue to inspire hope.Gagan Narang, the Chef-de-Mission, acknowledged the widening gap between India and other nations in key Olympic sports like track and field and swimming. He stressed the need for effective structures, programs, and plans to bridge this gap.Hockey, which medalled in two consecutive Olympics, aims to build on its success by linking it with youth programs and academies. India's head coach, Craig Fulton, believes that with the right priorities, anything is possible.While India fell short of expectations in Paris, the performances of its athletes, including those who narrowly missed medals, provide a foundation for future growth and improvement.

India's Paris Olympics 2024 campaign concluded on Saturday with a total of six medals, marking the end of a 15-day journey. The contingent's performance was highlighted by Manu Bhaker's two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale's bronze in shooting, and Neeraj Chopra's silver in javelin throw. The men's hockey team also secured a bronze medal after defeating Spain.On the final day of competition, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar finished outside the top ten in golf, while wrestler Reetika Hooda suffered a quarter-final defeat to Alperi Medet of Kyrgyzstan. Despite the match ending in a 1-1 tie, Medet advanced due to scoring the last point. Her subsequent semi-final loss eliminated Hooda from repechage contention.The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh Phogat's joint-silver medal verdict but deferred it to August 13. Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling on Friday.IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the IOC would abide by the CAS decision, emphasizing that the International Federation (United World Wrestling) has the responsibility to interpret and apply its rules.

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic Gold medalist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This honor recognizes Bindra's exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.Bindra's journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men's 10m Air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India's greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).Beyond his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape.A key initiative under Bindra's leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the IOC's Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren.Bindra's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.This recognition highlights Bindra's enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç has become an internet sensation at the Paris 2024 Olympics for his unconventional shooting style. Dikeç, who won a silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, has competed in five consecutive Olympic Games, but it was his relaxed and casual demeanor that captured the world's attention.Dikeç's unique shooting style involves keeping one hand in his pocket and both eyes open while aiming. He attributes his success to his natural ability and lack of reliance on specialized equipment. "I'm a natural shooter," he told Turkish media.Following his viral moment, athletes across various sports began mimicking Dikeç's distinctive pose as a celebratory gesture. Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, and Jamaican discus thrower Rojé Stona all adopted the "Yusuf Dikeç pose" after their respective victories.The trend has extended beyond the Olympics, with footballers also joining in on the action. Fenerbahçe midfielder İrfan Can Kahveci, Nigerian attacker Cyriel Dessers, and Dutch winger Steven Berghuis have all celebrated goals by striking the iconic stance.Dikeç's approach to shooting is a departure from the norm. Shooters typically rely on specialized equipment, including precision glasses and ear protection. However, Dikeç competes with his usual glasses and earplugs, radiating a unique confidence.Now in his fifth Olympic appearance, Dikeç first competed in the 2008 Beijing Games. He holds a world record from the 2006 CISM Military World Championships and a bronze medal from the 2012 ISSF World Cup Final.Dikeç's unconventional style and infectious confidence have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to athletes worldwide. His relaxed approach to shooting has challenged traditional norms and demonstrated that success can be achieved through natural ability and self-belief.