Manu Bhaker, the celebrated Indian shooter, recently had the honour of meeting cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar at his residence in Mumbai. This encounter comes on the heels of her remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured two bronze medals, marking a historic moment for Indian sports.
A Historic Olympic Performance
At the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two individual Olympic medals since independence. She clinched a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside fellow shooter Sarabjot Singh.Â
This achievement not only ended India’s 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting but also solidified her status as one of the country’s leading sportspersons.
Meeting the Maestro
During her visit to Tendulkar’s home, Manu was accompanied by her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha Bhaker. She shared her excitement on social media, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to meet the cricket legend. “The one and only Sachin Tendulkar sir! Feeling blessed to share this special moment with the cricketing icon! His journey motivated me and many of us to chase our dreams,” she posted, highlighting the inspiration she draws from Tendulkar’s illustrious career.
In a recent interview, Manu revealed her admiration for several sports legends, including Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Usain Bolt. She expressed her desire to spend time with these icons, stating, “It would be an honour to spend even an hour with any of them!” This sentiment underscores her respect for their contributions to sports and their impact on aspiring athletes like herself.
What Lies Ahead for Manu?Â
Following her Olympic success, Manu Bhaker is not resting on her laurels. She has already set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games, indicating her ambition to continue excelling in her sport. “After the end of one Olympics, I already have the next one on my mind,” she stated, reflecting her determination and forward-thinking mindset.
As Bhaker continues to make her mark on the global stage, her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the nation, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements.
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