Manu Bhaker: From Olympic Setbacks to Historic Triumphs in Paris

Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker emphasizes the importance of both mental and physical fitness, relating it to her successful journey at the Paris Olympics after initial setbacks in Tokyo. She highlights the significance of health in achieving peak performance and longevity.

Olympic medallist and shooter Manu Bhaker continues to advocate relentlessly for fitness and a healthy lifestyle, asserting the importance of both mental and physical well-being. She insists that fitness is paramount for a successful life. 'There is nothing greater than fitness,' Bhaker states, citing the health traditions of India's ancestors as pivotal.

Bhaker highlights that health concerns extend beyond physical prowess, emphasizing mental resilience. In the rush of modern life, neglecting health can precipitate diseases and hinder productivity. 'Mental and physical fitness is extremely important,' she affirms, advocating for a proactive approach to living a disease-free life.

Prioritizing fitness, Bhaker argues, is crucial for enhancing longevity and achieving peak performance. Her journey from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics to Paris highlights her extraordinary resilience. After missing out on a medal in Tokyo due to a gun malfunction, she made history in Paris, securing two Olympic medals.

Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to clinch an Olympic medal in the 10m air pistol event, adding a bronze in the mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. These victories were monumental for India's shooting legacy, despite narrowly missing a third medal in the 25m pistol event, securing a remarkable fourth place.

Her redemption after the Tokyo setback was sweet, as her gun malfunction cost her a medal opportunity there. In Paris, she demonstrated resilience and talent, overcoming past adversities to etch her name into Olympic history, all while underscoring the imperatives of fitness for success.

(With inputs from agencies.)