After marking her stellar performances at the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s star shooter Manu Bhaker is now gearing up for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Notably, the 22-year-old shooter has created history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics including one in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event and another in the mixed 10-meter air pistol team event.

Despite missing out on a hat-trick after finishing in the women’s 25-meter air pistol shooting event, Manu Bhaker remained determined and focused to see herself getting gold in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Who is Manu Bhaker?

Hailing from Haryana, born on February 18, 2002, Bhaker has made significant achievements in her career from a very young age. She represented herself at various international levels including the Olympics, World Championships, World Cups, Asian Cups, and Commonwealth Games. She is known for her calm approach and focus to excel in high-pressure situations.

Some Notable Achievements of Manu Bhaker are:

• First Ever Indian Woman to win an Olympic Shooting Medal
• Two Bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024
• Successive gold medals at the World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games

In a recent interview, she opened up about how she overcame Significant challenges and remained steadfast in her journey to achieve success. She discussed overcoming her disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics to mark success at the Paris Olympics 2024. She further also shared about her reunion with the coach Jaspal Rana and her aspirations for the upcoming Olympics in 2028.

Manu Bhaker on her achievement at Paris Olympics 2024

She extended her honor to be a double gold medalist and said, “It feels incredible to be a double Olympic medalist at just 22, and while it’s an honor to be the first Indian to achieve this feat. I’m still letting it sink in, winning two medals wasn’t just a personal achievement, it was a powerful moment of reclaiming my passion and purpose”.

She felt cheered while having the opportunity to represent her country on such a huge platform and was overwhelmed with all the support that made her journey possible. “Becoming the first athlete from India to earn two medals in a single game feels like a beautiful, almost surreal realization of my dreams,” said Manu Bhaker.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and for the opportunity to represent my country and for the unwavering support that has made this journey possible,” she further added.

Her plans after the Paris Olympics 2024

After ruling the Paris Olympics series, Manu Bhaker is now moving with the same approach to achieve success. “I’m focused on keeping the momentum going. While I’m grateful for my achievements, I know that future success depends on more than just accolades.” She added.

She said that she’s committed to staying consistent to working hard and is set to represent her nation once again. “I’m dedicated to rigorous training and excited to represent India once again, to change the color of the medal and reach even greater heights,” Bhaker added.

The Journey to the Olympics was a team effort

Throughout her journey, Manu Bhaker shared that she had continuous encouragement from her mentors and family members who guided her through the challenges and kept her motivated and grounded. “My Teammates provided crucial support, making the journey feel less solitary, their collective presence and support were essential, reminding me that every achievement is the result of many hands working together,” she further added.

Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Manu Bhaker has stated that her goal is to hit the “bullseye” at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and turn her bronze medal into a gold one. Manu was a standout performer for India at the 2024 Olympic campaign in Paris, winning two bronze medals in the individual and mixed team 10m air pistol competitions. In the 25-meter pistol round, she almost missed winning a second medal. Instead, she placed fourth.