Paris Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker - India's Shooting Sensation From Jhajjar - Pips Virender Sehwag On Global Popularity Index

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Until recently, the most searched athlete from Jhajjar, Haryana, was legendary India cricketer Virender Sehwag. However, since this Sunday, Manu Bhaker has overtaken Sehwag in popularity. Follow Paris Olympics Special Coverage

The 22-year-old shooter from Jhajjar, a district which is 55 kilometres north of Delhi, won a bronze medal for India in the 10m air pistol shooting event at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first female shooter from India to win a medal in this discipline. This victory not only opened India's account in the Paris Olympics medal tally but also marked a historic achievement in Indian sports.

Manu Bhaker - India's Shooting Sensation

Two days after her individual triumph, Bhaker paired with fellow shooter Sarabjot Singh to win another bronze medal in the mixed team event at the 33rd Olympiad. It was also India's second medal at the ongoing quadrennial sporting extravaganza.

By achieving this feat, she became the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, joining an elite club of Indian athletes who have won multiple medals in the prestigious global event. Trained by Olympian Jaspal Rana, Bhaker has captured the nation's attention and sparked widespread interest in her achievements.

Virender Sehwag - The Legend Who Redefined Batting

Before Bhaker's rise to fame, Jhajjar took pride in former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, one of the most destructive batters in modern cricket. Sehwag, originally from Jhajjar but residing in the Najafgarh area of Delhi, revolutionised Test cricket with his aggressive batting style.

Known for his high-risk, high-reward approach, Sehwag was the first Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, achieving this milestone twice. He also became the second batter to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Sehwag's performances inspired millions of young cricketers across India, including Haryana. The state cricket team has been doing well in the domestic circuit and many of them have represented the national side. But for the last few days, the popularity of Sehwag has been overtaken by Manu, something which even the Nawab of Najafgarh wouldn't mind, for obvious reasons.

Manu Bhaker's Lasting Impact

Manu Bhaker's recent exploits in shooting are poised to revolutionise the sport in her region, akin to the impact of Saina Nehwal and MC Mary Kom's bronze medals in the London Olympics, and Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu's medals in Rio. These successes have led to a surge in participation among young girls in badminton, boxing, and wrestling.

In Haryana, a state once infamous for restricting girls from stepping outside the house courtyard, societal attitudes are changing. Parents now encourage their daughters to pursue sports careers, inspired by heroes like Sakshi Malik, the Phogat sisters, and a new generation of talented boxers.

Bhaker's double medals, with a potential third in the 25m pistol event, are expected to further boost girls' participation in shooting. Haryana has become a powerhouse in boxing, wrestling, and shooting, traditionally male-dominated sports in India. The state government's efforts to improve the child sex ratio, which was once alarmingly skewed, have started to bear fruit. This progress serves as a valuable lesson for other states aiming to achieve gender balance.

Manu's contribution to India extends beyond her sporting achievements. Her success will have a broader impact on societal change. As the Indian government strives to empower women and achieve gender parity, stories like Bhaker's provide a significant boost to these efforts.

Her journey from Jhajjar to the global stage is a testament to the changing landscape of Indian sports and society, heralding a new era of opportunities for young girls across the nation.