Manu Bhaker has emerged as a beacon of resilience and achievement in Indian sports. At just 19, she endured substantial criticism following her performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, by the Paris Olympics three years later, Manu accomplished a historic feat: winning two medals in a single Games, a milestone not achieved by an Indian athlete since 1900.
In Paris, Manu’s remarkable achievements included a gold medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol with Sarabjot Singh. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to secure an Olympic medal with her bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and the first Indian shooter to win a Games medal since London 2012. On Tuesday, Manu joined PV Sindhu in the exclusive club of Indian athletes with multiple Olympic medals.
Manu has frequently cited PV Sindhu and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra as her sources of inspiration. “I’ve always regarded PV Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra as legends of Indian sport and have admired their dedication,” Manu said in a video shared by Sportstar. She even went so far as to create a fake social media profile to defend Sindhu from online negativity.
Sindhu, who is also striving to make history at the Paris Olympics, responded with warmth to Manu’s success. Upon learning of Manu’s accomplishments, Sindhu tweeted, “Haha, what a sweetheart!!! Welcome to the 2 Olympic medal club, Manu!! Way to go.”
Sindhu also took to social media to share her admiration: “I couldn’t find a better picture to welcome this sweet young girl into the 2 Olympic Medal Club! From defending me on social media to joining me in the club, it’s clear you’re a special talent. Manu, watching you bounce back from Tokyo 2020 has been inspiring! Godspeed, girl,” said the 2019 badminton world champion.
Manu’s advice to aspiring athletes is one of perseverance and self-belief. Despite her previous World Cup victories, she faced disappointment at Tokyo 2020 but made history in Paris by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final in two decades.
“For the upcoming athletes, I want to stress the importance of confidence, hard work, and staying true to yourself. If success doesn’t come at one Olympics, as it didn’t for me in Tokyo, it may well arrive at the next, as it did for me in Paris,” Manu encouraged.