Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Goria, Haryana, India, has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the world of shooting sports. Her impressive achievements at a young age have solidified her reputation as a rising star in the sport. Here’s a detailed look at Manu Bhaker’s career, personal background, and future prospects.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manu Bhaker |
| Date of Birth | 18 February 2002 |
| Age | 23 years (2025) |
| Birthplace | Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Sport | Shooting |
| Disciplines | 10 m air pistol, 25 m pistol |
| Coach | Jaspal Rana |
| Education | IIM-Rohtak, DAV College, Lady Shri Ram College |
| Notable Achievements | First Indian woman shooter to win Olympic medal (bronze in 10 m air pistol), two medals at Paris 2024 (bronze individual & mixed team) |
| Other Honors | Multiple World Cup, Commonwealth & Asian Games medals; youngest Indian to win ISSF Gold |
| Parents | Ram Kishan Bhaker & Sumedha Bhaker |
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a small village, Manu Bhaker’s journey to becoming a world-class shooter was not without challenges. Her initial interest in shooting was nurtured by her father, a former wrestler, who recognized her potential and supported her pursuit of the sport. Despite the limited resources in her village, Bhaker’s determination and talent shone through.
1. Family Support:
Bhaker’s family has been a significant source of support throughout her career. Her father’s encouragement and the family’s financial backing were crucial in helping her access better training facilities and compete in higher-level events.
2. Early Training:
Manu Bhaker began her formal shooting training at a local range in her hometown. Her early training focused on developing basic shooting skills and techniques. The support from her family and her sheer dedication helped her overcome the initial limitations and set the stage for her future success.
Manu Bhaker’s career showcases a series of remarkable achievements that have firmly established her as one of India’s leading figures in shooting sports.
Career and Achievements
1. National Success
From an early stage, Bhaker displayed exceptional talent through consistent success in national competitions. She won multiple national titles, which not only highlighted her potential but also laid a strong foundation for her international career. As a result, her dominant performances in domestic events earned her widespread recognition and opened doors to global competitions.
2. International Breakthrough
Soon after, Manu Bhaker made her international breakthrough in 2018 at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. She captured gold medals in both the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol events, immediately announcing herself as a formidable force on the global stage. Consequently, this achievement propelled her into the international spotlight and confirmed her elite shooting skills.
3. Commonwealth Games Success
Continuing her upward momentum, Bhaker delivered an outstanding performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. She secured a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, further strengthening her reputation as a consistent top-level performer. This victory demonstrated her ability to excel under high-pressure situations.
4. Asian Games Achievement
In the same year, Manu Bhaker extended her success at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she won gold in the 10m Air Pistol event. Through her precision and consistency, she once again proved her dominance in international competitions and reinforced her standing among Asia’s best shooters.
5. Olympic Journey and Paris 2024 Breakthrough
Building on her experience, Bhaker represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, competing in the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol events. Although she did not secure a medal, the experience played a crucial role in shaping her mental strength and competitive maturity.
Most importantly, Manu Bhaker achieved a historic milestone at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won two bronze medals — one in the 10m Air Pistol individual event and another in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event. Meanwhile, American shooter Vincent Hancock secured the gold medal in men’s skeet, making history as the first skeet shooter to win four Olympic golds in the same event. As a result, Bhaker became one of India’s standout performers at the Games, marking a significant turning point in her Olympic career. Furthermore, her success solidified her place among the world’s elite shooters and inspired many aspiring athletes.
6. 68th National Shooting Championships
Manu Bhaker continued her dominant form at the domestic level by winning the gold medal in the women’s team pistol event alongside Simranpreet Kaur Brar at the 68th National Shooting Championships, further reinforcing her status as one of India’s top shooters.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Manu Bhaker’s path to success has been marked by challenges, particularly related to training and resources.
1. Training Facilities:
Growing up in a rural area, Bhaker initially faced challenges related to access to advanced training facilities. She had to travel to more developed regions to access better equipment and coaching. Despite these obstacles, her dedication and perseverance helped her overcome these limitations.
2. Mental and Physical Demands:
Shooting sports require intense mental focus and physical precision. Bhaker has worked hard to develop the mental resilience needed for competitive shooting. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a high level of concentration has been crucial to her success.
Net Worth and Income
| Category | Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2024) | ₹12 Crore (approx.) — This is the widely reported total estimated wealth of Manu Bhaker as of 2024, based on public and media sources. |
| Previous Net Worth (Before Olympics) | ₹60 Lakh (approx.) — Before her success at the Paris Olympics 2024, her net worth was much lower and has grown significantly after her performance. |
| Main Income Sources | Shooting career earnings, prize money from competitions, government support, and brand endorsement deals. |
| Brand Endorsements | She has partnerships with brands like Performax and Nothing India; endorsement fees have also risen significantly after her Olympic success — now reportedly up to around ₹1.5 Crore per deal. |
| Endorsement Fee Range | Around ₹8 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh+ per brand deal (female athlete typical range in India), with some deals reportedly around ₹1.5 Crore after Paris success. |
| Government/Support Grants | She has received financial support under schemes like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and ACTC (Annual Training and Competition Calendar), contributing to her career funding (not direct personal net worth but support towards training/expenses). |
| Assets Considered | Includes brand fees and prize earnings; some reports also mention property (e.g., a Faridabad apartment) as part of her lifestyle assets. |
| Net Worth in USD (Approx.) | Around $1.4 Play estimate (based on ₹12 Cr conversion) — varies slightly across estimators such as PeopleAI which lists around $1-2 million. |
| Factors Behind Growth | Olympic medals at Paris 2024 increased her visibility, resulting in higher brand value and more lucrative endorsement opportunities. |
Manu Bhaker’s net worth is estimated at around ₹12 Crore as of 2024. This value is largely built through her professional shooting career earnings, prize money from major competitions, and several brand endorsements — with her endorsement fees surging after her success at the Paris Olympics 2024. She continues to attract significant interest from brands, which further boosts her financial profile beyond the competition earnings.
Future Prospects and Goals
Manu Bhaker’s future in shooting sports appears bright. Her achievements and dedication position her well for continued success.
1. Olympic Success:
Bhaker aims to achieve Olympic success in future games. Her experience from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be valuable as she prepares for upcoming Olympic events. Her focus on refining her skills and strategies will play a crucial role in her future success.
2. Continued Growth and Development:
As a young athlete, Manu Bhaker is expected to continue growing and developing in shooting sports. Her dedication to training and competitive spirit suggest that she will continue to make significant strides in her career.
Controversies
1. Khel Ratna Award Controversy (2024–25)
One of the most discussed issues around Manu Bhaker was her initial exclusion from the shortlist for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, despite winning two Olympic bronze medals at Paris 2024. As a result, the decision sparked widespread public debate and significant media attention, with many questioning the merit and selection procedures involved. Similarly, discussions also drew comparisons with other Indian shooters such as Swapnil Kusale, highlighting broader concerns about award nominations in Indian shooting sports. Later, Manu acknowledged that a possible mistake in the nomination submission process contributed to the oversight. However, she clarified that while such recognition is undoubtedly meaningful, ultimately, her primary focus remains on consistent performance, self-improvement, and proudly representing India on the international stage.
2. Unauthorized Brand Uses & Legal Notices
Following her Olympic success, many brands, in the immediate aftermath, used Manu Bhaker’s images or congratulatory posts for commercial “moment marketing” without permission. As a result, her achievements were leveraged to promote products without proper contracts or authorization. Consequently, her management agency, IOS Sports & Entertainment, issued legal notices to several companies, including some prominent names, alleging violations of her personality and publicity rights.
3. Online Criticism for Public Display of Medals
Manu also faced social media trolling when she was seen carrying or wearing her Olympic medals at various events. Some users mocked her choice to display them publicly, which led to online discussions; she responded confidently that she carries the medals because of requests from organisers and public appreciation.
👉 Note: These controversies are mostly about recognition procedures, use of her image, and public reactions — not any legal or ethical misconduct by Bhaker herself.
Philanthropy & Social Activities
1. Donation During COVID-19
In March 2020, a young Manu Bhaker donated ₹1 lakh from her own savings to help the Haryana government fight the COVID-19 pandemic. She also encouraged others to contribute towards this public health effort, showing personal commitment to social causes at a young age.
2. Brand Ambassador for Social Campaigns
The Government of Haryana appointed her as a brand ambassador for “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, a flagship initiative promoting girls’ education and empowerment. This role reflects her influence and commitment to encourage positive societal values beyond sport.
Social Media Handles
| Platform | Username & Profile Link |
|---|---|
| @bhakermanu | |
| X (Twitter) | @realmanubhaker |
| Manu Bhaker |
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s rise from a small village in Haryana to becoming a prominent figure in international shooting sports is a remarkable story of talent, hard work, and perseverance. Over the years, her achievements, including gold medals at the ISSF World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games, have highlighted her exceptional skill and immense potential. Moreover, as she continues to pursue her goals, Bhaker’s growing impact on shooting sports and her role as an inspiration to aspiring athletes are increasingly evident. Ultimately, her unwavering dedication to the sport and promising future prospects make her a standout figure in competitive shooting.
FAQ’s
1. What are Manu Bhaker’s major achievements?
Manu Bhaker’s major achievements include winning gold medals in the 10m Air Pistol at the ISSF World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. She also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
2. How old is Manu Bhaker?
Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, making her 22 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Manu Bhaker’s net worth?
Manu Bhaker’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, derived from shooting competitions, sponsorships, and government support.
4. Where was Manu Bhaker born?
Manu Bhaker was born in Goria, Haryana, India.
5. What is Manu Bhaker’s shooting specialization?
Manu Bhaker specializes in the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol events.
6. What are Manu Bhaker’s future goals?
Manu Bhaker aims to achieve success in future Olympic Games and continue her growth and development in shooting sports.
7. How does Manu Bhaker balance her career and education?
Manu Bhaker balances her sports career with her education, completing her schooling and pursuing higher education alongside her training and competitions.
8. Is Manu Bhaker a Punjabi?
No, Manu Bhaker is not Punjabi. She was born and raised in Haryana and belongs to a Haryanvi background.
9. Is Manu Bhaker Jaat?
Yes, Manu Bhaker belongs to the Jaat (Jat) community, which is common in Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.
