Paris Olympics: Manu Bhaker misses historic medal hat-trick but still scripts history; Here is all about the ace shooter

An elite athlete gets to bite an Olympic medal after years of blood and sweat and it was no different for 22-year-old Manu Bhaker, who relied on the teachings of Bhagwat Gita to fulfil a long-cherished dream. The first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Summer Games, the Jhajjar-born was rated highly ever since she burst on the scene with the gold in the 10m air pistol at the 2018 Youth Olympics.

In a country where Olympic medals are extremely hard to come by, bronze feels as good as gold and Bhaker had to follow a relentless routine prepared by her hard taskmaster coach Jaspal Rana in preparation for her second Olympics. Reading Gita was guiding force for Bhaker.

Harsh lessons from her maiden Olympics coupled with intense training methods around the world proved to be invaluable. For mental preparation, she started reading the Bhagwat Gita after the Tokyo setback and is now a firm believer in karma. "I have become religious after Tokyo but not in an extreme way (laughs). I believe that there is an energy that guides us and protects us. And there is an aura around us that feeds on that energy. I think there should be some faith in God who has created us."

The presence of coach Rana in the stands was also comforting. Their communication through eyes is a constant during competition, giving Bhaker the strength to deal with pressure. Bhaker explained how reuniting with Rana over the last year or so made her a better athlete. "I had figured out where Jaspal sir was sitting in the crowd and I was making sure I was only looking at him and nobody else. Looking at him gives me courage and I am grateful that you know all those years of hard work that we have put in together paid off with this and probably even more," she said.

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.

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.