Heartbreak for Manu Bhaker! India's pistol pro misses out on making Olympic history in Paris

Manu Bhaker did India pround as she won the bronze medal in Paris Olympics 10m Air Pistol. She won her second medal in Mixed Air Pistol with Sarabjot Singh.

Manu Bhaker, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in a shooting event, was born in February 2002 in Haryana's Jhajjar.

Bhaker completed her schooling from Universal Public Secondary School.

She graduated with an Honours degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, in 2021. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Public Administration at Punjab University.

Bhaker played tennis, skating and boxing in school and also participated in a form of martial arts called ‘thang ta’, winning medals at the national level.

She then impulsively decided to try her hand at shooting when she was just 14, just after Rio Olympics ended, and loved the game.

Within a week, Manu Bhaker asked her father to get her a sports shooting pistol to hone her craft, and took Rs 1.5 lakh from him.

A pistol malfunction had denied Manu Bhaker a shot at a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the same event. However, four years later she came back strong, scripting history for India.

Indian shooting had gone through two Olympics without a medal before 22-year-old Manu Bhaker's incredible performance. Bhaker fought hard to clinch the bronze with a score of 221.7. Korea's Kim Yeji claimed the silver with a total of 241.3, while her compatriot Jin Ye Oh snatched the gold with a Games record of 243.2. Bhaker showcased exceptional skill and composure against her formidable Korean counterparts.

Bhaker's win is especially notable given her past struggles. She failed to qualify in all three rounds at the Tokyo Olympics, which included the women's 10m air pistol, women's 25m pistol, and mixed 10m air pistol events. Her bronze medal in Paris is a remarkable comeback story, highlighting her determination and resilience. Bhaker's victory marks India's first shooting medal in the 2024 Olympics.

Emulating Suma Shirur's achievement from Athens in 2004, Manu Bhaker's performance in Paris is historic. She blitzed her way into the final, becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. With a total score of 221.7 points, Bhaker's accomplishment signifies India's growing prowess in shooting on the international stage.

Manu Bhaker's journey is far from over. She will be competing in the 10m air pistol mixed qualifiers alongside Sarabhjot Singh on July 29 and will also participate in the 25m air pistol qualifiers scheduled for August 2. Bhaker's bronze medal win has not only broken a 12-year jinx but also set the stage for future successes in her shooting career.

Manu Bhaker, India’s celebrated airgun shooter and a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics 2024, has captivated fans not just with her shooting prowess but also with her dedication to fitness. Here’s a detailed look into her daily fitness routine that keeps her at the top of her game.

Manu Bhaker starts her day bright and early, waking up at 6 a.m. This early start is essential for her packed schedule. By rising early, Manu ensures she has ample time to manage her various activities and maintain a structured routine.

After waking up, Manu dedicates time to yoga. This practice is crucial for her mental and physical well-being. Yoga helps her maintain focus, balance, and control, which are vital for shooting. Her morning yoga routine includes various asanas, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Breakfast is an important part of Manu’s daily routine. She typically has her first meal of the day around 8 a.m. After her yoga session, she enjoys a wholesome, vegetarian breakfast.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Manu engages in rigorous training. She spends 6-7 hours each day honing her shooting skills. While shooting might seem less physically demanding, it requires significant practice in techniques, positions, strength, and balance.

After her training, Manu allocates an hour for physiotherapy. This phase is critical for recovery and involves managing pain, enhancing flexibility, and improving strength. Physiotherapy is tailored to her needs, helping her maintain peak physical condition.

In the late afternoon, from 5 to 6 p.m., Manu indulges in painting and sketching. This creative time helps her unwind and relax. Engaging in art is known for its mental health benefits, providing a creative outlet and relaxation after intense training sessions.

Manu’s day continues with a gym session from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Her Instagram posts reveal her commitment to daily workouts, especially during non-competition periods. Instead of following a strict training schedule, Manu listens to her body.

By 9 p.m., Manu sits down for dinner. She prefers a light meal to avoid any disturbances to her sleep. Proper nutrition and timing are crucial for recovery, and Manu emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and sufficient sleep to support her training and overall health.