I hope the love stays, please don't be angry if I don't win another medal: Manu Bhaker
Chateauroux (France), Jul 30: At 22, Manu Bhaker has already become one of India's greatest athletes by winning two medals in the same Olympics and she has just one plea ahead of her third and final event at the Games -- "don't be angry if I can't add another one".
Bhaker, who became the first athlete in independent India to win two medals in the same Olympics, will compete in the 25m sports pistol qualifications on August 2. She has so far won bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and the mixed 10m air pistol events.
"I hope the love stays. I will definitely try my best. I hope people are not disappointed. Please don't be angry if I don't win another medal," she said, voicing a fear that most elite athletes live with, despite her epoch-making performance at Chateauroux's shooting range.
Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, who is also 22, made easy work of the Korean challenge in the mixed team event on Tuesday.
"The feeling is surreal because I hadn't hoped I'll win two medals in a single Olympics," said the history-making shooter from Haryana's Jhajjar.
"There is one more match to go (in 25m sports pistol). So, I am looking forward to the next one, but I am grateful that I got another medal for India," said added.
She added that whenever Indian athletes represent the country, the only dream they harbour is to win an Olympic medal, and she would like to garner as much success at the Games as possible.
"This (bronze medal today) is part of the dream; one part is in the bag and the other one is with me here. An athlete, when he plays for India, his dream is to win a medal at the Olympics and that was my dream as well. And, I would want to win as many medals as possible in the Olympics," she said.
Bhaker's performance here has come after a failed campaign at the Tokyo Games in 2021 where a pistol malfunction stopped her from achieving her Olympic dream.
She said that heartbreak made her value the medals here even more.
"After the experience in Tokyo, I realise how special winning this (medal) is. When I start on the lane, I know I have worked hard and so many people have supported me throughout my journey. Olympics is a special stage and so many people watch it," she added.
On whether her performance here would make her a sporting icon much like former 10m air rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, who became a household name after winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Manu said the status, if at all she gets it, will not stop her from working hard and aiming for more glory.
"I can't say that about myself (becoming a female sporting icon); if people call me that then I am grateful. But my journey will continue and there's no stopping for me, I will keep working hard even if I win or lose. I'll keep my head high and try my best.
Manu, the second youngest Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal after shuttler PV Sindhu, added that she looks up to ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Sindhu because they have "proved themselves".
"I've always looked up to athletes like Neeraj (Chopra) (PV) Sindhu, who have always been able to prove themselves at certain levels.
"They have always been my seniors, I can't compare (myself with them)," said Bhaker, a former competitor of the Khelo India Games and a Target Olympic Podium Scheme athlete.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shivamogga hosts second edition of Bearys Green Run
Shivamogga: The second edition of the Bearys Green Run, a major event promoting fitness and environmental awareness, was held at Bearys City Centre. The initiative, organized by the Bearys Group, saw over 1,000 participants, including a special category for differently-abled individuals, making it one of the city’s most vibrant events of the year.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023 and the Bearys Green Ride – Cyclothon earlier this year, the Green Run highlighted eco-friendly practices and sustainable development. As part of the event, Bearys Group distributed 1,000 saplings to be planted across Shivamogga, contributing to the city’s green cover and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility.
Siddique Beary, Deputy Managing Director of Bearys Group, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of physical fitness and preserving nature for future generations. Reflecting on the event’s legacy, he fondly recalled the presence of the late environmentalist Dr. Tulsi Gowda, who graced the first edition of the Green Run in 2023.
The event’s success was bolstered by partnerships with organizations such as National Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd., Thirthahalli, and Decathlon, which contributed to creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere for participants.
Bearys Group expressed gratitude to the citizens, students, and youth of Shivamogga, as well as the media, for their support in making the Green Run a platform for fostering fitness, unity, and environmental stewardship.
