Manu Bhaker, born in Goria village of Jhajjar district in Haryana, has become a household name in Indian sports.
Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, works as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, providing a stable and supportive environment for Manu’s budding sports career. Before finding her true calling in shooting, Manu excelled in various sports, including Manipuri martial arts, boxing, tennis, and skating, winning medals at national games in these disciplines.
Manu’s journey into shooting began on an impulse. At the age of 14, just after the 2016 Rio Olympics, she decided to try her hand at shooting. Her immediate passion for the sport led her to request a sports shooting pistol from her father. Recognizing her dedication, her father invested INR 150,000 to support her new endeavor. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Manu’s illustrious shooting career.
Rise to Prominence
Manu Bhaker’s rapid rise in the shooting world is nothing short of remarkable. At the 2017 national shooting championships, she stunned the shooting community by defeating Olympian and former world No. 1 Heena Sidhu. Manu set a record score of 242.3 in the 10m Air Pistol final, a performance that announced her arrival on the big stage.
| Manu Bhaker | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manu Bhaker |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 2002 |
| Age | 22 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Jhajjar, Haryana, India |
| Height | 1.56 m |
| Parents | Ram Kishan Bhaker (Father), Sumedha Bhaker (Mother) |
| Sport | Shooting |
| Olympic Medals | Bronze at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (Women’s 10m Air Pistol) |
| Commonwealth Games Medals | Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Women’s 10m Air Pistol) |
| ISSF World Cup | Youngest Indian to win a gold medal |
| Asian Games Medals | Gold in Women’s Team 25m Pistol at the 2022 Asian Games |
| Awards | Arjuna Award for Shooting |
| Net Worth | Approximately ₹12 crore (as of 2024) |
| Financial Support | Supported by Haryana government and Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram, sharing updates on training, competitions, and personal life |
| Major Achievements | – Record score at 2017 national shooting championships |
| – 15 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze in various competitions | |
| Notable Endorsements | Supported by Haryana sports minister Anil Vij and other sponsorships |
| Background in Other Sports | Excelled in Manipuri martial arts, boxing, tennis, and skating before focusing on shooting |
| Educational Background | Not specified |
| Professional Debut | Entered professional shooting scene in 2016 after the Rio Olympics |
| Significant Challenges | Overcame a broken pistol incident at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 |
Achievements and Milestones
Commonwealth Games 2018
At just 16, Manu won her first gold medal at the ISSF World Cup and followed it up with a gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, marking her maiden appearance in the competition.
Asian Games 2022
Alongside teammates Esha Singh and Rhythm Sangwan, Manu secured a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, further establishing her dominance in the sport.
Tokyo Olympics 2020
Despite a heartbreaking incident at the Tokyo Olympics, where a broken pistol hindered her performance, Manu’s resilience and sportsmanship were evident. She started strong but was ultimately unable to qualify for the 10m air pistol final due to the malfunction.
Historic Moment at Paris Olympics 2024
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This achievement marks the first time an Indian woman shooter has won a medal at the Olympics. Her performance has not only brought pride to the nation but also set a precedent for future athletes.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Manu Bhaker’s success has translated into significant financial rewards. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around ₹12 crore. This figure includes her earnings from competitions, endorsements, and other income sources. Notable endorsements and financial support from the Haryana government and the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) have played a crucial role in her journey.
Personal Life and Social Media Presence
Manu Bhaker maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she shares updates about her training, competitions, and personal life. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the global stage is an inspiration to many young athletes.
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering support from her family and community. Her achievements have not only elevated her status as one of India’s top athletes but have also inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds. As she continues to compete and achieve new milestones, Manu Bhaker remains a beacon of hope and excellence in Indian sports.
