Exclusive/ 'I don’t see...': Double Olympic Medalist Manu Bhaker Reflects on Being Called a Legend at Age 22

Manu Bhaker recently made history at the Paris Olympics 2024. She won not one but two medals at the global sporting extravaganza to cement her name as the first Indian to have attained two podium finishes at an Olympics post-independence.

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Manu Bhaker On Being Called a Legend at the age of 22

By performing on the biggest stage, Manu Bhaker has become a household name in India, and it could be asserted that at the age of 22, she has managed to cement her legacy in the kind of form that the majority only dream of obtaining in their entire lifetime.

A multi-time Olympic medal winner already, Manu Bhaker is touted as a legend  but during a conversation with republicworld.com, when she was asked to present her thoughts on the same, she vehemently stated that she won't label herself that. Moreover, she laid out that her objective, which is to serve the sport that she loves. Further, Manu made it known that her primary aim is to win the Gold medal at the Olympics. Bhaker won a double Bronze in the Paris Olympics.

While she does not see herself in the light of being a legend, Bhaker admitted that she is grateful for the recognition she has earned and was pleased with the welcome she received.

"Honestly, I don’t see myself that way. I’d like to continue for as long as possible because I truly love my sport. My goal is to win gold, and achieving that would be a dream come true. This time, I won two bronze medals and finished fourth, which feels great. It’s rewarding that people recognize and appreciate the effort and the medals I’ve earned. Being welcomed back with open arms felt really, really good." 

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Greeted With Garlands

Double Olympic medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker on Sunday arrived at her Goria village in Haryana's Jhajjar district to a rousing welcome. Bhaker won a bronze medal in the 10-m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics, before combining with Sarabjot Singh to win bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event as well.

Bhaker (22) is the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals at a single Olympic Games. As she arrived at her village, she was greeted with garlands. She also went to her village school.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhaker pitched for setting up a stadium and a shooting range at the village. Bhaker, who was accompanied by her parents and other family members, thanked the villagers for coming to greet her.