September 25, 2024: 22-year-old shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history, becoming the first athlete from independent India to secure multiple medals at a single Olympic event. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manu claimed two bronze medals—one in the women’s 10-metre air pistol and the other in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team events. Despite her remarkable achievements, the young Olympian recently found herself at the center of online criticism for carrying her Olympic medals to public events.
Manu Bhaker’s Bold Response to Social Media Trolls
In response to the online negativity, Manu Bhaskar made it clear that she had no intention of hiding her hard-earned medals. “I will, yeah! Why will I not?” she told the Times of India, when asked about the criticism. Manu revealed that she was often asked by event organizers to bring her medals along, a request she was happy to fulfill.
“Everyone has this feeling to show the medal, which is why I carry it in case someone wants to see it. They even request, ‘Please bring your medal along.’ When I do, several pictures get snapped at these events,” Manu shared, shedding light on the genuine reason behind her actions.
“These Medals Belong to India,” Says Manu Bhaker
For Manu, the medals represent more than personal glory; they symbolize national pride. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “The two bronze medals I won at the Paris 2024 Olympics belong to India. Whenever I am invited to an event and asked to show these medals, I do it with pride. This is my way of sharing my beautiful journey.”
Manu’s response not only silenced the critics but also highlighted the role that national pride plays in her career. For her, sharing the medals with the public is a way to inspire others and reflect on the country’s growing sports prowess.
Journey to Success: No Regrets, Only Passion
At the recent Yuva Conclave, Manu Bhaker shared insights into her personal journey leading up to the Paris Olympics and how she felt after winning the medals. “Honestly, I would not like to switch my life with anybody at all. Even if the time is not good, I would not want to do that,” Manu said, reflecting on the ups and downs of her career.
When asked about her life outside of shooting, Manu reaffirmed her dedication. “The love of my life is shooting, and I want to shoot as long as possible and win as many medals for India as I can. I enjoy dressing up and other activities, but shooting remains the priority.”
Channelling Anger into Success
Manu also shared how she manages the pressures of her high-stakes career. “I do get angry. But I’ve learned to channel my anger into something positive. That’s really important for any sportsperson,” she noted, emphasizing the mental strength needed in competitive sports.
A Bright Future Ahead
With two Olympic bronze medals already to her name, Manu Bhaker’s future looks brighter than ever. Her unwavering determination, love for shooting, and ability to turn criticism into motivation have only solidified her status as one of India’s most promising athletes.
