Manu Bhaker: India's Rising Shooting Star
If you follow Indian sports, you've probably heard of Manu Bhaker. She's a young shooter who made a splash at the Tokyo Olympics and kept winning medals after that. In this guide we’ll break down how she got here, what she’s achieved, and where she’s headed next.
Career Highlights
Manu started shooting when she was just eight years old, practicing in a small range near her home. By 2021 she qualified for the Tokyo Games and surprised everyone by reaching the finals in both the 10m air pistol and the mixed team event with Saurabh Chaudhary. Although she didn’t snag gold, making it that far at age 20 put her on the world map.
After Tokyo, Manu turned the spotlight onto the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022, where she captured a gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol and a silver in the mixed event. Her steady hand and calm under pressure earned her nicknames like “Cool as Ice” from commentators.
In early 2023 she broke the national record at the Asian Shooting Championships with a score of 587.5, beating longtime champion Heena Sidhu. The win gave her an automatic spot for the Paris Olympics and boosted her world ranking into the top ten.
What’s Next for Manu Bhaker
The road to Paris is already shaping up. Manu says she’s focusing on mental training as much as physical practice, working with a sports psychologist to handle the hype. She also plans to experiment with new equipment – a custom grip that promises better stability during rapid fire.
Fans can expect her in the upcoming ISSF World Cup circuit, where she’ll face shooters from Italy, China and the US. These events are crucial for fine‑tuning technique before the Olympic qualifiers later this year.
Off the range, Manu is using her platform to inspire young athletes, especially girls in rural areas. She runs a free coaching camp every summer in Hyderabad, teaching basics of shooting safety and confidence building.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just curious about rising Indian talent, keep an eye on Manu Bhaker’s social media for live updates, training clips and behind‑the‑scenes moments. She’s not just chasing medals; she’s reshaping how India sees shooting sports.
