In a significant moment for civic engagement, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker cast her vote for the first time during the Haryana assembly elections on Saturday, October 4. The 22-year-old athlete, currently on a break from competitive shooting, emphasized the importance of voting as a responsibility for the youth of India.
After casting her ballot, Manu Bhaker urged young people across the country to actively participate in the democratic process and select leaders they believe can instigate positive change. She remarked, “I think it is our responsibility being the youth of the country that we vote. Whoever you think is the best candidate, you should go vote for them. Our small steps lead to big goals, and development is in our hands because our chosen leaders will only fulfill our dreams.”
Expressing her excitement about voting for the first time, Manu Bhaker shared her sentiments in an interview with ANI, stating, “This is the first time that I voted. I was quite excited, and I am glad I’ve gotten that out of the way now.”
While taking a hiatus from sports, Manu Bhaker has remained active in social causes and has recently addressed criticism from social media users. On September 25, she responded to trolls who mocked her for wearing her Olympic medals at promotional events, asserting her pride in her achievements. She wrote, “The two bronze medals I won at the Paris 2024 Olympics belong to India. Whenever I am invited to an event and asked to show these medals, I do it with pride. This is my way of sharing my beautiful journey.”
Manu Bhaker made headlines during the Paris Olympics, where she secured two bronze medals, becoming a standout performer for India. Her first medal came in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event, marking India’s inaugural medal at the Paris Games. Demonstrating exceptional composure and precision, Manu Bhaker navigated through the qualifying rounds and performed admirably in the finals, securing her place on the podium.
Following this success, Manu Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh in the Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol event, where their teamwork culminated in another bronze medal for India. This achievement made Manu Bhaker the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, showcasing her skill and dedication to the sport.
