New Delhi: Manu Bhaker had promised a proud moment to her teacher at Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College years ago. On Tuesday, she delivered on it by winning the second medal at the Paris Games, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in the same Olympic. Her alma mater is celebrating the athlete’s historic performance while recalling how brilliant and disciplined a student she was.
“Another historic milestone achieved by LSR alumna Manu Bhaker. Congratulations to Manu from the entire alumni community. You have made your alma mater and the entire country proud,” read one of the congratulatory messages in the WhatsApp alumni group.
Talking to ThePrint, Meenakshi Pahuja, head of the sports department of Lady Shri Ram College, recalled the promise Manu had made to her.
“Once, Manu said, ‘Ma’am, I’ll make you proud one day’, and now, she [has] not only made us and her family proud but the whole nation [too],” said Pahuja.
Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the bronze, defeating the Koreans in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event. Earlier, Manu had won bronze in the singles event on Sunday.
Wins and losses
Showing up for class on time, finishing her work and leaving for training as soon as the time was up — that’s what a normal day for Bhaker looked like at LSR.
Bhaker, who studied political science at LSR, had her purpose clear vis-à-vis her subjects. “Once I asked her why she chose to study political science. She said she wanted to pursue governance further,” shared Pahuja.
Behind her Paris win is also her loss at Tokyo. The athlete used to always think about it, which made her work harder. The Paris medal is proof of all her effort, according to Pahuja.
“The losses are the best lessons. The result of what she is today,” said the department head. She also said that Bhaker balanced both her training and assignments and never failed to submit them on time.
The young athlete scored a first division in her undergraduate course and is currently pursuing a degree in public administration at Panjab University.
“She was very good at balancing both her sport and academics with exceptional grace, and she always talked about her goal to win a medal for India,” said Bani Singh, one of Bhaker’s friends and former sports department president.
A win for women
Pahuja, who was herself India’s first female marathon swimmer, said this is an achievement of not just a brilliant shooter but also a woman. “This will inspire millions of girls and women.”
She emphasised how a ‘first’ boosts your confidence.
“When you make your nation proud, the medal makes you feel like you’re wearing a uniform and serving the nation.”
Remembering Bhaker’s time at the college, Pahuja said the shooter mostly travelled for her matches.
“She’s become the new inspiration for each of us with her journey, she has taught us how important it is to work hard and move forward without giving up even in your hardest times,” one of Bhaker’s college mates told ThePrint.
“This medal is only the starting, it’s the new beginning of Bhaker’s achievements and journey,” said Pahuja.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)