Who is Manu Baker?

Manu Baker becomes 1st Indian woman to win Manu Baker won bronze in 10m air pistol event in Paris
Manu becomes first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal.

Early Life and Background

Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in the small village of Goria, in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India, is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of sport shooting. Born into a modest family, her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, served as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha, is a school teacher. From a young age, Manu showed an affinity for sports, engaging in a variety of activities including boxing, tennis, and skating. However, it was shooting that eventually captured her interest and became her passion.

Introduction to Shooting

Manu Bhaker’s journey into the world of shooting began relatively late compared to other athletes. She took up shooting at the age of 14. Her father, recognizing her potential, supported her decision wholeheartedly, even building a shooting range at their home to provide her with the best possible training environment. Manu’s natural talent and relentless dedication quickly set her apart in the shooting circles.

Rapid Rise to Fame

Manu Bhaker’s rise in the sport was meteoric. Within a year of taking up shooting, she was competing at the national level. Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she won nine gold medals at the National Shooting Championships in Kerala. This performance established her as a rising star in Indian shooting.

In 2018, at just 16 years old, Manu made headlines globally by winning gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. She became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at an ISSF World Cup event. Manu also secured a second gold in the mixed team event, further cementing her status as a formidable competitor.

Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics

Manu Bhaker’s stellar performance continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. She won the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event, showcasing her skill and composure on the international stage. Her dominance was evident as she set a new Commonwealth Games record with a score of 240.9 in the final.

Later that year, Manu added another feather to her cap by winning gold at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the 10m air pistol event. This victory made her the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympics, highlighting her exceptional talent and potential for future success.

Asian Games and ISSF World Championships

The 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang were another significant milestone in Manu Bhaker’s career. Competing in the 25m pistol event, she, along with her teammate Rahi Sarnobat, put up a strong performance, though they narrowly missed out on medals. However, her performance in the mixed team event was commendable, where she and her partner, Abhishek Verma, won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

At the ISSF World Championships in Changwon, South Korea, Manu continued to impress. She won a silver medal in the junior mixed team 10m air pistol event, adding to her growing list of international accolades. Her consistent performances in various events throughout 2018 established her as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite her early successes, Manu Bhaker has faced her share of challenges. The expectations and pressure of performing consistently at the highest level can be daunting for any athlete, especially for someone so young. Manu has experienced moments of disappointment, such as missing out on medals in some crucial events. However, her resilience and determination have always seen her bounce back stronger.

In 2019, during the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Manu experienced a significant setback when she failed to make it to the finals in her signature 10m air pistol event. This was a rare off day for the young shooter, but she used this experience to learn and improve. Her ability to handle such setbacks with grace and come back stronger is a testament to her mental toughness and dedication.

Olympic Dreams

The ultimate dream for any athlete is to compete in the Olympics, and Manu Bhaker is no different. She secured her quota for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning a gold medal at the 2019 ISSF World Cup in Munich in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career, bringing her one step closer to her Olympic dream.

Despite the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Manu remained focused and continued her rigorous training. Her preparation and determination were evident as she aimed to represent India and make a mark at the highest level of competition.

Off the Shooting Range

Beyond her accomplishments in shooting, Manu Bhaker is known for her humility and grounded personality. She has often credited her family, coaches, and support system for her success. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey, providing both emotional and logistical support to ensure she has the best training opportunities.

Manu is also an advocate for education and encourages young athletes to balance their sporting careers with academics. She continues her studies alongside her shooting career, setting an example for aspiring athletes in India.

Legacy and Impact

Manu Bhaker’s achievements have had a significant impact on Indian shooting and sports in general. Her success has inspired many young athletes, especially girls, to take up shooting as a sport. She has become a role model for aspiring shooters, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to achieve great heights in sports.

Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the world stage is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Manu Bhaker continues to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the world of shooting, and her story is far from over. As she prepares for future competitions and the Olympics, the world will be watching with bated breath to see what this young shooting star will achieve next.

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker’s story is one of determination, resilience, and excellence. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s top shooters, she has shown that age is no barrier to success. Her journey serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes, proving that with passion and hard work, dreams can indeed become reality. As Manu continues to aim for the stars, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of athletes to come.