Manu Bhakar, a true Indian sporting icon, brought a lot of laurels to the country at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. Bhakar won two medals (both bronze) and the Indian team brought home a total of six medals from the Paris Olympics. Since his return, Manu has been a part of many interviews and celebrations. At one such event, Manu was asked about the sportsperson he would like to spend a day with. The ace shooter named several names. Among overseas sportspersons, the name of sprinting champion Usain Bolt emerged. In India, Manu named superstar cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
“If I had to name a few favourites, Usain Bolt is one of them. I've read his books so many times, I know his journey and I've seen so many interviews. And then for India, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni sir and Virat Kohli. I would be honoured to spend an hour with any of them!” Manu Bhaker told Cosmopolitan.
Surprisingly, there was no mention of Neeraj Chopra, with whom she is close friends.
Though Manu excelled as a shooter, he tried his hand at many sports during his school days. The athlete has achieved great individual success but wants to achieve even more for India on the global stage, especially at the Olympics.
“As a sportsperson, I want to contribute a lot to Indian sports and see India win as many medals and other events as possible. I will do my best to support and share all my knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes. I would love to do so,” Manu added.
When asked about the challenges facing women in sports, Manu also spoke about the change she would like to see in society.
“I hope to see some changes in society. I think parents have to take the lead in encouraging and protecting their daughters so they will be stronger and more confident. First of all, the woman's family, parents and people around her are the most important. I think it all starts from there. Education also plays a very important role. We need to improve all this,” she said.
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Manu Bhakar
