Twenty two-year-old Manu Bhaker has known what it’s like to be in the spotlight since she started winning shooting competitions at the age of 15. The spotlight has become particularly bright since she won two medals at the Paris Olympics , becoming the first Indian to win multiple medals in a single Olympics. In an interview with us from Paris, Manu tells us that she’s nervous about returning to India as an Olympic medallist.
Manu Bhaker ‘Never got to represent India before' Wearing the Indian jersey is the biggest and only thrill for Manu. “Before I started shooting, I was into various other sports, but I never got an opportunity to represent my country. Shooting was the one sport where I got selected for the Indian team, and I was so excited.
I just couldn’t wait to get the Indian jersey.” I’m always excited to wear the Indian jersey, says Manu Manu tells us, “When I got into the top three to represent the country – that was the time of my life. Even today, whenever the team is announced, I’m always really excited that I’ll get the kit.
I am always excited to wear the jersey, and style it with different things. I really love to wear the Indian jersey and represent my country.” During her travels to international competitions , she has met some of the finest athletes.
What does she think sets apart an excellent performer? Manu says, “I believe it is faith in themselves and confidence – these two things play a major role in who will make it to the podium and who will not. It’s a matter of faith and how much you have trained. Also, how well you are trained for handling different types of situations – even if something bad happens, then you are able to push yourself out of it.
” Manu Bhaker ‘SPORTS IS THE BEST PROFESSION FOR ANYONE TO BE IN’ Last month, Manu posted a reel about an impressive list of over 25 countries she has visited, with the caption, “I’m 22 and I’ve been to these countries.” Talking about her trips, she says, “Being a sportsperson takes me to different countries and has led me to experience different cultures. It’s the best profession for anyone to be in.
You have to put in the work and be disciplined, and it will take you to so many beautiful places that you can’t even imagine.” Are there any countries on her bucket list? “I’ve heard Greece and Thailand are beautiful. I’d like to go to Norway to see the northern lights.
But it’s not that I desperately want to go. Right now, I want to come back to India” Manu Bhaker ‘Never imagined that I’d get that kind of liberty from a college’ Manu shares, “I did my Bachelor’s from LSR. That was one of the best times of my life because I had never imagined that I’d get that kind of liberty from a college.
It’s one of the best colleges in the entire country. When I enrolled in LSR, I didn’t know how it would work out, and I thought maybe they would let me take one or two days leave – either I’m going to get a degree from here or I’m going to shoot. Fortunately, I was able to do both.
Mostly the thanks go to Meenakshi Pahuja ma’am (head of physical education and sports) because she has been a core supporter throughout my three years at LSR. My principal ma’am (Suman Sharma) used to meet me before and after competitions.” Manu Bhaker.
