'I hope the love stays, people are not disappointed': Manu Bhaker ahead of third Paris Olympics event

NEW DELHI: At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker has already cemented her place in Indian sporting history. With two bronze medals secured at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women's 10m air pistol and the mixed 10m air pistol events, she has become the first athlete from independent India to achieve such a feat in a single edition of the Games.
Despite this remarkable accomplishment, Bhaker remains grounded, urging fans to temper their expectations as she prepares for her final event, the 25m sports pistol.
"I hope the love stays. I will definitely try my best. I hope people are not disappointed or anything. I will see how my performance goes," Bhaker said.
Bhaker's journey to this point has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Her performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction hampered her chances, fueled her determination for success in Hangzhou.
The heartbreak of Tokyo, she admits, makes her recent victories even sweeter. "The feeling is surreal because I hadn't hoped I'll win two medals in a single Olympics. There is one more match to go (in 25m sports pistol). So, I am looking forward to the next one, but I am grateful that I got another medal for India," she added.

Her partnership with fellow 22-year-old shooter Sarabjot Singh has been instrumental in their shared success. Their synergy and composure were evident in their dominant performance against the Korean team in the mixed event.
"This (bronze medal today) is part of the dream; one part is in the bag and the other one is with me here. An athlete, when he plays for India, his dream is to win a medal at the Olympics and that was my dream as well. And, I would want to win as many medals as possible in the Olympics," Manu admitted.
"After the experience in Tokyo, I realise how special winning this (medal) is. When I start on the lane, I know I have worked hard and so many people have supported me throughout my journey. Olympics is a special stage and so many people watch it," she added.

Despite her historic achievement, Bhaker remains focused on the task at hand. Acknowledging the pressure that comes with representing her nation, she emphasized the collective dream of every Indian athlete – to stand on the Olympic podium.
"I can't say that about myself (becoming a female sporting icon); if people call me that then I am grateful. But my journey will continue and there's no stopping for me, I will keep working hard even if I win or lose. I'll keep my head high and try my best," she stated.
Manu also admitted that she drew inspiration from the likes of Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, acknowledging, "I've always looked up to athletes like Neeraj (Chopra) (PV) Sindhu, who have always been able to prove themselves at certain levels. They have always been my seniors, I can't compare (myself with them)."