Manu Bhaker fires back at trolls criticising her Paris Olympic medals display
PTC News Desk: Last month, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first athlete from Independent India to win multiple medals at a single edition of the Games. The 22-year-old clinched bronze in both the women's 10-meter air pistol event and the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, bringing pride to the nation.
However, despite her impressive achievements, Manu recently found herself targeted by social media trolls for carrying her Olympic medals to various public events. The trolls criticised her for wearing her Paris Olympic medals at gatherings, but Manu was quick to shut down the criticism with a sharp and confident response.
When questioned about the online negativity during an interview with the Times of India, Manu Bhaker firmly stood her ground. “I will, yeah! Why will I not?” she replied, addressing the trolls who questioned why she carried her medals to events.
She further explained that she often brings the medals because event organisers specifically request her to do so. "Everyone has this desire to see the medals, which is why I carry them. They even make requests, saying, 'Please bring your medal along,' and when I do, several photos are taken at these events," she clarified.
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Last week, Manu was one of the featured guests at the NDTV Yuva Conclave, where she shared insights into her journey to Olympic glory and the recognition she received after securing two bronze medals. During the discussion, she expressed her contentment with her life, even amid challenges. "Honestly, I would not want to switch my life with anyone, even if the times are tough," she remarked.
When asked about her future goals and passions outside of shooting, Manu was unequivocal about her love for the sport. "Shooting is the love of my life. I want to shoot for as long as possible and win as many medals for India as I can. I do enjoy dressing up and other activities, but shooting remains my top priority," she shared.
During the interaction, Manu also opened up about managing her emotions, particularly how she deals with anger. "I do get angry, but I’ve learned to channel that anger into something positive. That’s really important for any sportsperson," she explained, highlighting the mental resilience required in competitive sports.
Manu Bhaker's achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics have cemented her place in Indian sporting history, and her response to critics underscores her strength both on and off the field. Despite the trolling, she continues to be an inspiration, proudly representing her country while staying true to herself.
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- With inputs from agencies
