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Journalism of Courage
Two-time Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker marked India’s 79th Independence Day in a unique way, by playing the national anthem on her violin.
The 23-year-old, who clinched bronze medals in the 10m air pistol (both individual and mixed team) events at the Paris Olympics, posted a video of her performance on social media.
Sharing the clip, Manu wrote, “An attempt to play the tune that is closest to my heart this Independence Day. Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Generally, we sit and play the violin, but this time subconsciously, we stood up while playing the National Anthem. It’s the admiration for our nation that cannot be put into words. Jai Hind!”
The heartfelt gesture struck a chord online, racking up over two lakh views and a flood of reactions.
“The goosebumps every Indian gets while listening to this,” a user commented. “Talent ki kam hai kya hamare choriyo main (There is no shortage of talent in our girls),” said another.
Others praised her versatility, with one admirer saying, “Wow so talented Manu Bhakar madam. U are always an inspiration for me”. Another added, “So proud of you! And so impressed! As if your shooting skills alone was not enough!”
Manu Bhaker etched her name in Indian sporting history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first-ever Indian woman shooter to clinch a medal at the Summer Games. She earned a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol, and then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to claim another podium finish in the mixed team event, India’s first Olympic medal in a shooting team category.
In doing so, Bhaker also became the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics. She nearly pulled off a remarkable treble, narrowly missing out on a podium in the women’s 25m pistol, where she finished fourth.
Her success in Paris was no isolated feat. Bhaker has previously struck gold in the 25m pistol at the 2023 Shooting World Championships and secured silver in the same event in 2022. She’s also a multiple-time champion at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Now, all eyes will be on her once again as she gears up for the 16th Asian Championships in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from August 16 to 30, where she will compete alongside 34 other Indian shooters.
