Manu Bhaker's violin performance goes viral: Watch her play the national anthem

Manu Bhaker can play the national anthem on the violin—a talent that recently wowed the internet. Captured in a video by a Sportstar journalist, Bhaker's performance at the MP Shooting Academy in Bhopal has garnered significant attention on X (formerly Twitter). This musical prowess is just one of the many facets of the 22-year-old shooter, who recently clinched a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bhaker's journey to the podium in Paris was nothing short of inspiring. At the Chateauroux Range in France, she made history as the first Indian woman to medal in this discipline, scoring 221.7 points. Her bronze finish ended India's long wait for an Olympic shooting medal, a moment of redemption after her equipment malfunctioned at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The competition was fierce, with Bhaker narrowly missing the silver to South Korean shooter Kim Yeji by just 0.1 points. The gold went to another South Korean, Oh Ye Jin. Despite the close call, Bhaker's performance was a testament to her resilience and determination.


Beyond her shooting career, Bhaker's violin skills have captivated fans. The video shows her seated by a pool, playing the national anthem with grace and precision. Reports suggest she received the violin as a gift from her brother and started taking lessons just a few months before the Olympics. Social media users have been quick to praise her, with comments highlighting her versatility and dedication.

"She is multi-talented," one user wrote, while another commented.


Bhaker's shooting accolades are equally impressive. She won gold at the ISSF World Cup and claimed gold in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at just 16 years old. Alongside teammates Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan, she secured gold at the 2022 Asian Games. To date, Bhaker has accumulated 15 gold medals, three silvers, and one bronze.

Academically, Bhaker is just as accomplished. She graduated with an Honours degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, in 2021, and is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration at Punjab University. Balancing her studies with her sporting career, Bhaker continues to inspire with her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication.