Manu Bhaker Named BBC Sportswoman of the Year After Paris Olympic Triumph

Hyderabad: Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been named the BBC Sportswoman of the Year, following an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won two bronze medals. At just 22 years old, Bhaker's exceptional achievements have solidified her place among India’s top athletes. She made history by becoming the first Indian shooter to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games, and also the first Indian woman to claim an Olympic shooting medal.

Bhaker’s win was especially remarkable, as she triumphed over a strong group of nominees, which included golfer Aditi Ashok, para-shooter Avani Lekhara, India’s women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

Her success at the Paris Olympics was a milestone for Indian shooting. She ended a 12-year medal drought for the country in Olympic shooting, winning bronze in both the women’s 10m air pistol event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. India’s overall medal tally at the Games included six medals, with Swapnil Kusale also bagging a bronze in the men’s 50m rifle three positions. Neeraj Chopra earned a silver in men’s javelin, and the Indian men’s hockey team secured a bronze, while Aman Sehrawat claimed bronze in men’s 57 kg freestyle.

In recognition of her incredible achievements, Bhaker was later awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. At only 22, she has already made a name for herself as one of the brightest stars in Indian shooting.