At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker is already a household name in India. The young shooter, known for her calm demeanor and composure under pressure, recently graced the offices of The Times of India. She carried herself with the same confidence and poise that helped her secure India’s first Olympic medal in shooting for a woman. Bhaker, the first Indian sportsperson to win two medals at a single Olympic Games since Independence, embodies a level of maturity and self-assurance often found in seasoned veterans.
Accompanying Bhaker were her parents and coach, Jaspal Rana, who form a strong support system for her. Rana, a renowned shooter himself, has witnessed Bhaker’s journey through its ups and downs, including a difficult period of estrangement. He was present during the interview, stepping in to offer insights and share his perspective.
When asked about nerves before competing, Bhaker replied, “I think as my coach says… only two kinds of people will feel nervous.” Rana interjected, “Only two kinds of people will *not* feel nervous!” Bhaker, with a smile, corrected herself, “Only two will not feel nervous.” “The dead and the dumb,” they both said in unison. The camaraderie between coach and pupil was evident, and it was clear the good times were back.
Bhaker’s resilience is evident in her tattoo, a quote from the Maya Angelou poem, “Still I Rise.” She explains, “I saw it on Pinterest, and then I was like, I really like this. And I took my own meaning from it. I was not aware of any poems or anything.”
Her success has naturally raised questions about its impact on the attitudes toward women in India, particularly in conservative families and her native Haryana. “One event can bring about some change, but if you want to see bigger change, it has to be persistent,” Bhaker thoughtfully remarked. “It cannot be one event. If this could happen, we will suddenly see change in society. It takes a lot of time for significant change to happen.”
Bhaker, demonstrating wisdom beyond her years, is already a trailblazer for women in sports. For now, she can bask in the glory of her recent achievements in Paris. But the future holds even greater ambitions – the LA Olympics await.
