"Don’t ever think 'will I be able to do it or not?'" - Manu Bhaker's inspiring message after winning the medal at Paris Olympics
Jubilation resonated across India on Sunday afternoon as Manu Bhaker clinched the country's first medal at the Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old secured bronze in the women's 10 meter air pistol event. With this, Bhaker immortalized herself in Indian sports history as the first woman to win an Olympic medal for the country in shooting.
In an interview with the country's public broadcaster, All India Radio (Akashwani), immediately after the medal ceremony, Bhaker expressed her feelings of joy and gratitude.
"I feel really good. I am not even able to express it (completely)," she said. "The hard work I have put in for years is finally bearing fruit. I am very happy about it. I am grateful for the support I have got from a number of people - in good time, in bad times."
Throughout the event, the Indian supporters present at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre vehemently cheered for Bhaker. She mentioned that the crowd spurring her on was an incredible morale booster.
"It feels amazing when you are performing for your country and there are a number of people from the country to support you in the crowd." she said.
"Not just the Indians who are residing here, but even people from India take a flight and come here to see the match. So, that makes me feel really good. I feel grateful. When you cheer for us, it boosts our morale. Thank you for all the love."
Bhaker used her moment in the limelight to send out an inspiring message about hard work and perseverance.
"To the listeners, I would just say, whatever field you are in, work hard. In the path to your dreams, don’t ever think 'will I be able to do it or not?'" she said.
Bhaker cited her own journey to further drive the message home.
"Look at my journey," she added. "It has been eight and a half years and after so many years I have now got this medal. Had I given up in midway, I would not have reached here. So, never give up on your dreams. Keep your spirits up and work hard."
"What has passed has passed": Manu Bhaker's ability to stay in the present has been a key to success
Three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, Manu Bhaker's pistol malfunctioned during the qualification round, leaving her in tears. On Sunday, as she stood on the podium, proudly donning the bronze medal around her neck, the Tokyo nightmare seemed like a distant memory.
Bhaker believes that staying in the moment and not fretting too much about the past is the key to success.
"I leave the past behind me, what has passed has passed," she says. "One should live in the present."
Bhaker applies this to both the good and the bad. After soaking in the joy of Olympic triumph, she now shifts her focus to the other events.
On Monday, Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh will compete in the qualification round of the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event. Arjun Singh Cheema and Rhythm Sangwan would compete in the same event.
"I have my training after this. After that, I would prepare for tomorrow’s match," Bhaker said. "I have to give it my best effort, no matter what. Just don’t have to give up."
Later this week, Bhaker will also represent India in the women's 25-meter pistol. Now that she has earned a medal, the weight of expectations will undoubtedly be heavier each time she comes onto the shooting range. Let's hope she carries this weight as well as she did today.