Olympic Glory and Beyond: Manu Bhaker on Overcoming Challenges and India's Sports Future

Manu Bhaker, fresh from her Olympic triumph in Paris, reflects on her journey and the pressure of expectations. Since her 2018 Commonwealth Games win, media attention has intensified, but she continues to embrace the challenge. Her Olympic success was hard-won, especially after a challenging period in 2022 and 2023, where she considered quitting. Bhaker credits her coach, Jaspal Rana, for his unwavering support. Despite her struggles, she pushed through, following a strict routine to prepare for the Games.

Looking ahead, Bhaker is already setting her sights on the 2028 LA Olympics, aiming for gold. She emphasizes the need for grassroots sports programs in India, advocating for a long-term vision similar to that of countries like the US and China. Bhaker believes that with big steps and sustained efforts, India can excel in the global sports arena. As for hosting the Olympics, she sees potential but stresses the importance of effective organization and support from both the government and corporate sectors.