Manu Bhaker talked about her memories of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared her thoughts on how he inspires sportsmen.
Manu Bhaker, an Indian Olympic pistol shooter, reflected on her conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on National Sports Day and shared her thoughts on the motivation he gives sportsmen. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, 22-year-old Manu made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic competition since independence. She also made history at the Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in an individual shooting competition. Manu was shocked by PM Modi’s sincere interest in her athletic career when she first met him at the age of 16, following her gold medal victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“You are very young,” he said to me as we were interacting. You will surpass all expectations in your accomplishment and will always feel free to contact me. This gave me a lot of motivation, Manu remembered.
The Prime Minister encouraged her and talked about her future intentions following her tragic Olympic campaign in Tokyo, when a pistol malfunction prevented her from winning a medal.
“PM Modi advised me to remain self-assured and concentrate on my objective. He records every little detail about every player,” Manu said.
PM Modi, according to the pistol shooter, takes a different tack by encouraging and supporting all athletes, regardless of their performance. Athletes feel encouraged and respected when you personally reach out to them and take the time to talk about their issues.
Manu won her maiden medal at the Olympics in Paris, taking home the bronze in the women’s 10 m air pistol. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the pistol shooter on her historic victory.
She went on to place fourth in the women’s 25-meter pistol competition and win the bronze in the Mixed 10-meter air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
