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MANU BHAKER
A true sporting icon for India, Manu Bhaker brought immense pride to the nation in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games 2024. Bhaker secured two bronze medals, contributing to India's total of six medals from the Games. Since her return, Manu has been featured in numerous interviews and honored at various ceremonies. During one such event, when asked about the sportspersons she would like to spend a day with, the accomplished shooter mentioned several names. Among international athletes, she expressed her admiration for sprint legend Usain Bolt. In India, she chose cricket superstars Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni.
"Perhaps I’ll mention a few of my favorites. Usain Bolt [Jamaican runner] is one of them—I’ve read his book multiple times and am well-acquainted with his journey, having watched many of his interviews. And in India, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni sir [MS Dhoni], and Virat Kohli. It would be an honor to spend even an hour with any of them!" Manu Bhaker shared with Cosmopolitan.
Interestingly, she did not mention Neeraj Chopra, despite their well-known camaraderie.
While Manu excelled as a shooter, she dabbled in various sports during her school days. She has achieved significant success in her own right but aspires for India to attain even greater accomplishments on the global stage, particularly in the Olympics.
"As a sportsperson, I want to contribute significantly to sports in India and help the country win as many medals as possible in any event. I’m eager to offer my full support and share my knowledge and experience with upcoming athletes. I would love to do that," Manu added.
Manu also discussed the societal changes she hopes to see, particularly concerning the challenges women face in sports.
"I hope to witness a few changes in society. I believe parents must take the initiative to encourage and protect their daughters, which will help them become stronger and more confident. The environment a woman grows up in—her household, her parents, and those around her—plays a crucial role. It all starts there. Education also plays a vital part. We need to make improvements in all these areas," she said.