Chandigarh (Haryana) [India]: Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker continues to emphasize the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle, believing that mental and physical well-being are crucial for success.
“‘Fit hain to hit hain’… There is nothing greater than fitness. Eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle has been a tradition in our country. Our ancestors would work on farms and eat healthy, and that is why they were mentally and physically strong and healthy,” Bhaker told media.
She stressed that maintaining both mental and physical fitness is vital, especially in today’s fast-paced world where people often neglect their health.
“Mental and physical fitness is extremely important. Taking out some time from the routine is essential to live disease-free,” she added.
Bhaker’s dedication to fitness and resilience played a key role in her remarkable comeback at the Olympics. After facing disappointment at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where a gun malfunction hindered her performance, she redeemed herself in Paris by creating history.
Manu Bhaker became the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. She claimed bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, making her the first-ever Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. Shortly after, Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured India’s first-ever shooting team medal with another bronze in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event.
In her final event, Bhaker narrowly missed a historic treble, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m pistol shooting event. Despite falling short of winning three medals, her achievements marked an inspiring comeback after the Tokyo setback.
During the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Bhaker faced multiple hurdles. A gun malfunction during her 10m air pistol qualification round cost her valuable time, resulting in a 12th-place finish — outside the top-eight needed to qualify for the final. In the 25m pistol event, she finished 15th, while her 10m air pistol mixed team event concluded in seventh place.
Manu Bhaker’s determination, hard work, and focus on fitness have proven instrumental in her journey from setback to success, inspiring countless aspiring athletes across India.