1. Manu Bhaker: India's Air Pistol Shooting Star
2. International Successes and Record-Breaking Achievements
3. Dominance at World Cups and Championships
4. Tokyo Olympics and Beyond
5. Legal Battles and Endorsement Disputes
6. Conclusion

Manu Bhaker: India's Air Pistol Shooting Star

Early Life and Shooting Prowess

Manu Bhaker, born in 2002, began shooting at the age of 14 after her father gifted her an air pistol. Her debut at an international competition in 2017 led to a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championships. At the Indian National Shooting Championships later that year, she triumphed over renowned shooter Heena Sidhu, setting a new record score of 242.3 in the finals.

International Successes and Record-Breaking Achievements

In 2018, Bhaker became the youngest Indian shooter to win a gold medal at a Shooting World Cup in Guadalajara. She also clinched a gold in the mixed team competition with Om Prakash Mitharwal. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she claimed another gold and a Commonwealth Games record with a score of 240.9. The same year, she became the first Indian woman and shooter to win a gold at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

Dominance at World Cups and Championships

In 2019, Bhaker further established her dominance by winning six gold medals at the Shooting World Cups. She earned the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020, recognizing her exceptional achievements in sports. In 2021, she bagged medals at multiple World Cups and made her debut at the ISSF Junior World Championships, where she dominated with five golds and a bronze.

Tokyo Olympics and Beyond

Despite qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, a malfunction with her pistol prevented Bhaker from reaching the finals in any of her events. In 2024, her journey culminated in two historic bronze medals at the Summer Olympics in Paris. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting and the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals at a single Games.

Legal Battles and Endorsement Disputes

After her Olympic success, Bhaker's management, IOS Sports & Entertainment, initiated lawsuits against several companies for "violation of personality rights" and "unauthorized endorsements." The lawsuits alleged that these brands used Bhaker's image and photographs without her consent, violating the guidelines set by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

Conclusion

Manu Bhaker's remarkable career in air pistol shooting has been marked by exceptional talent, record-breaking achievements, and historic victories. Her determination and focus have earned her admiration and inspired countless young shooters. As she continues her journey, Bhaker remains an icon in the world of Indian sports.

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