Manu Bhaker Meets 8-Time World Champion Mary Kom, Make Special Request

MANU BHAKER MEETS MARY KOM

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recently met with former Olympian and boxer Mary Kom. After clinching multiple bronze medals in Paris, Manu is currently taking a break from shooting to recover from an injury.

On Instagram, she shared photos of her interaction with Mary Kom, who also won a bronze in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics. In one of the two images shared, the two athletes are seen sharing a warm hug. Manu also expressed her desire to plan a workout session with Mary Kom, captioning the post, "It was great catching up with you didi @mcmary.kom, and talking about the Olympics and more... Thank you for your wishes and blessings, and let's plan a workout session soon!"

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Mary Kom, an eight-time world champion, was initially set to be India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics but had to step down due to personal commitments. In a letter to IOA President PT Usha, the 41-year-old stated, "I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons."

She added, "It is embarrassing to retreat from a commitment, which I seldom do, but I am left with no choice. I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations."

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manu won bronze medals in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. She also narrowly missed a third bronze in the 25m pistol event, finishing a commendable fourth. No Indian athlete has won more than two individual medals at the Olympics.