Before the Paris Olympics, Chateauroux was a town most Indians had never heard of. Now, it’s etched in Indian sporting history, thanks to Manu Bhaker. The 22-year-old pistol shooter, in a span of three days, won two bronze medals, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat at the Olympics.
She opened India’s medal tally with a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol competition, followed by another bronze in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Her achievement has not only boosted India’s Olympic campaign but also injected a much-needed dose of confidence and belief.
Manu’s journey to the podium is one of resilience and redemption. Following a challenging experience at the Tokyo Olympics, she faced immense pressure and even considered quitting the sport. However, she found strength to return, rekindling her partnership with her former coach, Jaspal Rana.
Their reunion proved to be pivotal. Jaspal’s unwavering support and unique training methodology, which involved imposing fines for missed targets and donating the money to charity, instilled a sense of discipline and focus in Manu.
Her performance in Chateauroux, characterized by steely nerves and unwavering concentration, is a testament to the power of this partnership. She displayed incredible composure under pressure, a stark contrast to her emotional struggles at the Tokyo Games. Her ability to overcome adversity and find her way back to the top of her game is an inspiring tale of dedication and perseverance.
Manu’s story is a reminder that even the most gifted athletes face setbacks, but with unwavering determination and the right support, they can rise above adversity and achieve remarkable feats. Her success at the Paris Olympics is not just about medals; it’s about a young woman’s journey of personal growth, resilience, and the power of second chances.
