Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhakar has revealed that meditation played a key role in the training process behind her historic bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old Manu Bhakar created history by winning the Olympic bronze medal in Paris on Sunday, July 28. The Haryana-born shooter became the first Indian woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympic Games after clinching third place in the women’s 10m air pistol final at Chateauroux Shooting Centre in the French capital.
In an interview after his win, Manu Bhakar revealed that he consistently works with a “meditation master” as part of his training, which helps him to improve his calm and focus. Bhakar’s consistency shone through as he never once dropped out of the top three. Through the finals, which featured eight female competitors.
Who was Manu Bhakar: What you need to know about the history-making man
“I have a meditation teacher. I meditate with him before going to sleep. It helps me sleep better and better sleep helps me concentrate better. He teaches me two verses from the Gita every day and explains their meaning. It has led me to the spiritual plane and I believe there is an energy or god somewhere watching over me who will ensure that my efforts pay off,” Bhakar said.
Bakar also highlighted a turning point in his career, which he said came in 2023 during a conversation with his coach.
“I think the turning point was when my coach asked me in 2023 what I want to do with my life. So I said I want to study political science or something abroad or try for civil service or something like that. I’m open to that. But he said, ‘You are one of the best shooters in the country and the world’. So I said, ‘What would you do if you were in my position?’ and I said, ‘I will give my all to this sport, I will never look back and I will make sure I achieve my dreams,'” Bakker said.
Manu Burkhel ended India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming a first for the country. He is the fifth shooter to win an Olympic medal in shooting after Abhinav Bindra, Rajayavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang.
