Manu Bhaker – Manu Bhaker has emerged as a true champion in competitive shooting. Her remarkable journey reached new heights at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won bronze medals in the 10m air pistol event and the 10m mixed Double Event. With this remarkable feat, Bhaker opened India’s medal account and became the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic shooting medal in shooting. Bhaker’s journey to Olympic glory is a testament to the power of dreams and determination.
Born in the small town of Jhajjar in Haryana, Bhaker demonstrated immense potential and determination from a young age. Her journey to the Paris Olympics was filled with rigorous training, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches. Her hard work paid off as she stood on the podium, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win a medal in this category at the Olympics.
Manu Bhaker Biography
All important information about Manu Bhaker is given in the table below.
| Manu Bhaker’s Biography | |
| Name | Manu Bhaker |
| Date of Birth | 18 February 2002 |
| Age | 22 Years |
| Birth Place | Goria, Jhajjar, Haryana |
| Fathers Name | Ram Kishan Bhaker (Chief Engineer) |
| Mothers Name | Sumedha Bhaker |
| Profession | Indian Sports Shooter |
| Height | 168 cm (5 ft 6 inch) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Medals in Olympics | 2 Bronze Medals |
| Medals in Categories | 10m air pistol 10m air pistol mixed team |
| Medals in World Championships | 1 Gold and 1 Silver |
| Caste | Jat Community |
| Husband | Not Married |
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Manu Bhaker Age, Birthplace
Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village of Jhajjar district in Haryana, India. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, is a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy. From a young age, Manu excelled in various sports. Before taking up shooting, she showed exceptional talent in Huyen langlon, a traditional Manipuri martial art, as well as boxing, tennis, and skating, winning medals at the national level. These versatile athletic abilities laid a strong foundation for her future career in shooting.
At the age of 14, Manu decided to pursue shooting seriously. Her father supported her ambition by investing ₹1,50,000 in her training and equipment. This marked the beginning of her journey in competitive shooting. Manu’s initial success came at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships, where she won a silver medal.
Manu Bhaker Salary
- Manu Bhaker’s Salary: As a sports shooter, Manu Bhaker earns through various sources including government rewards, sponsorships, and prize money from competitions. The exact amount of her annual income is not publicly disclosed but top athletes in India often receive substantial financial support from the government and private sponsors. Additionally, she is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) which provides financial assistance to athletes.
Manu Bhaker Husband
- Marital Status: As of now, Manu Bhaker is unmarried. There is no public information about her being in a relationship or having a husband.
Manu Bhaker Age
- Date of Birth: Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002.
- Current Age: As of 2024, she is 22 years old.
Manu Bhaker Caste
- Caste: Manu Bhaker belongs to the Jat community, which is a prominent agricultural community in the northern regions of India, particularly in Haryana.
Manu Bhaker Career
- Early Career: Manu Bhaker began her career in shooting at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. She first gained major recognition at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships.
- Achievements: Manu Bhaker has won multiple gold medals in international events, including the ISSF World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Youth Olympic Games. She has been one of India’s leading shooters and has represented the country in various prestigious competitions.
- Future Prospects: Manu Bhaker continues to be a strong contender for India in upcoming international competitions, including the Olympics.
Manu Bhaker’s journey as a sport shooter has been inspiring, and she is considered one of India’s most promising young athletes.
Manu Career Advancement
Manu Bhaker’s breakthrough came during the 2017 National Games held in Kerala. She won nine gold medals and set a new national record by scoring 242.3 points in the final, surpassing the previous record held by multiple World Cup medalist Heena Sidhu. This performance established Manu as a rising star in Indian shooting.
In 2018, Manu Bhaker gained international recognition. At the ISSF World Cup held in Guadalajara, Mexico, she won a gold medal in the Women’s 10-meter air pistol event, defeating Alejandra Zavala, a two-time champion, with a score of 237.5 in the final. At just 16 years old, she became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the World Cup.
Her success continued as she clinched a second gold medal in the 10-meter Air Pistol mixed team event with Om Prakash Mitharval. The pair scored 476.1 points, defeating the German duo of Sandra and Christian Reitz.
Manu’s Achievements
Manu’s remarkable form was evident at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. She scored 388/400 points in the women’s 10m air pistol qualifying round and set a new Commonwealth Games record of 240.9 points in the final, securing the gold medal. This victory made her one of the youngest gold medalists in the history of the Commonwealth Games.
Later that year, at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Manu Bhaker continued to make history. She shot 236.5 points to top the points table in the women’s 10m air pistol event, becoming the first shooter from India to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games. She also had the honor of being the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
Throughout 2019, Manu Bhaker dominated the 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ISSF World Cups, winning multiple gold medals with her partner Saurabh Chaudhry. This formidable duo became strong contenders for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2022, she won the team gold for India in the women’s 25m pistol team event at the Asian Games, along with Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan.
The Challenges She faced
Despite her successes, Manu faced challenges in her career. At the 2018 Asian Games, she set a game record score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m air pistol event but finished sixth in the final. Her compatriot, Rahi Sarnobat, won the gold in this event. In 2019, during the Munich ISSF World Cup, Manu’s pistol jammed in the finals of the 25m pistol event when she was leading, forcing her to forfeit the competition. However, she demonstrated resilience and qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 10m pistol event with a fourth-place finish.
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India, showing everyone that dedication and hard work can lead to great success. Her journey from a small town to the Olympic podium serves as an inspiration to all, proving that dreams can come true with persistence and courage. This achievement not only highlights her outstanding skills but also motivates young athletes to follow in her footsteps with hope and determination. Manu Bhaker’s story is a powerful reminder that with commitment, anyone can reach the stars.
