Indian Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker showcased her versatility beyond the shooting range by walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week 2024, presented in partnership with FDCI. The 22-year-old athlete, who recently earned two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, made a striking appearance in a chic black dress layered with a vibrant neon cardigan from Marks & Spencer.
Manu’s ensemble featured a fitted black sleeveless midi dress, designed with a crewneck and a slight balloon silhouette at the waist, transitioning to a sleek pencil skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. The look was completed with a ribbed, neon-hued cardigan draped stylishly over her shoulders, adding a nostalgic flair to her outfit.
To complement her fashionable attire, she chose black pump heels and minimalistic silver jewelry, including delicate bracelets and hoop earrings, which enhanced her chic appearance. Manu styled her hair in a center part, reminiscent of the 90s, with a pinned fringe and the rest flowing down her shoulders. Her makeup was fresh and dewy, featuring defined brows, smokey eyes, and a nude-mauve lip color, perfectly finishing off her striking look.
Reflecting on her runway debut, Manu expressed her excitement and nervousness to
ANI, stating, “The experience was surreal, though I was nervous… it made me feel alive.” Her ramp walk quickly became a viral sensation on social media, drawing admiration from fans and fashion enthusiasts alike for her effortless transition from the shooting range to the fashion stage.
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Achievements Beyond the Ramp
Recently honored at Lady Shri Ram College for her accomplishments in sports, Manu shared her journey and the dedication that has driven her success. Speaking at the event, she recounted her initial doubts about joining the college due to its rigorous academic reputation. With encouragement from her coach, Jaspal Sir, she decided to enroll, despite her worries about managing both studies and training.
“Balancing sports and studies was tough for me,” Manu admitted. She recounted a memorable incident when a teacher denied her entry to class due to tardiness after training, a lesson that highlighted the importance of commitment and time management.
A Future Beyond Shooting
Manu Bhaker’s journey in sports has been remarkable. She made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting, clinching bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She followed this achievement with another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team event, marking her as a standout performer in Indian sports.
After her triumph in Paris, Bhaker announced a three-month break from competitive shooting, during which she plans to recharge and prepare for future challenges. She will skip the upcoming ISSF World Cup Final, which begins this weekend in New Delhi.
With her dynamic presence both on the runway and in sports, Manu Bhaker continues to inspire many, proving that champions can excel in various arenas. As she put it, “I have always watched fashion shows on TV. The experience was very good and I will always take it with me.”