Manu Bhaker: Aiming High Beyond the Medal Podium
Manu Bhaker has etched her name in the annals of sports history by clinching two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, an accomplishment that has not only brought her accolades but also set the stage for her future endeavors. Acclaimed for her remarkable achievements, Manu attributes much of her success to her dedicated coach, Jaspal Rana, whose mentorship has been instrumental in her journey. During a recent award ceremony organized by the Delhi State Rifle Association (DSRA), Manu shared her aspirations beyond shooting—expressing a strong desire to pursue a PhD, fulfilling her mother’s wish for her to hold the title of ‘Doctor.’
A Journey of Academic and Athletic Excellence
At the event held in honor of the outstanding contributions of Paralympic shooting coach Subhash Rana and the accomplishments of Manu Bhaker, she revealed her academic ambitions. With a post-graduation in public administration already under her belt, Manu is now determined to start a PhD program. She remarked that her mother has always dreamt of her being recognized as ‘Doctor,’ highlighting the familial support that fuels her ambitions. Alongside her studies, she is also committed to returning to the shooting range after a well-deserved hiatus, gearing up for her preparations for the next Olympic games.
Rajeev Sharma and his wife Puja with Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana
Gratitude Towards Coaches and Supporters
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Manu acknowledged that her path to Olympic success has been paved with support from her coach Jaspal Rana and her family. She noted that the encouragement from Jaspal, along with the solidarity of her teammates, has been vital throughout her career. Her acknowledgement of the collective effort behind her achievements exemplifies the importance of teamwork in sports.
Call for Young Talent Development by Jaspal Rana
Jaspal Rana, present at the ceremony, praised Manu’s accomplishments and expressed his pride not just as a coach but as a representative of India’s sporting ambitions. He emphasized that her success resonates with aspiring athletes nationwide and reiterated his commitment to fostering young talent in the sport. Rana called for more opportunities and support systems for budding shooters to ensure they reach their full potential.
H.S. Bedi and Jaspal Singh Marwah felicitating Jaspal Rana and Manu Bhaker
A Celebration of Achievements
The DSRA dinner, hosted by Vice Chairman Jaspal Singh Marwah in Vasant Kunj, was not only a celebration of Manu’s achievements but also a platform to recognize the contributions of other distinguished figures in Indian shooting. This included the felicitation of Indian Para Shooting Team coach Subhash Rana for his extraordinary work with Paralympic athletes. Notable attendees included various officials and leading personalities in the capital’s shooting sports scene.
Manu Bhaker giving autographs to children during the ceremony
Honoring the Legends of Shooting Sports
The night saw a gathering of prominent figures in shooting sports, including Asian and Commonwealth Games medalist Vikram Bhatnagar and other distinguished guests. The ceremony highlighted not just individual accomplishments but also the collective spirit of the shooting community in India. Former officials of the DSRA, alongside current members, showed a strong representation at this commendable event, underscoring the unity in nurturing future talents in the sport.
