Manu Bhaker's Evolution: From Criticism to Inner Growth
For athletes perpetually in the public eye, negative feedback often arrives more swiftly than accolades. Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker has navigated this reality throughout her career, but her perspective has transformed significantly over time.
The Weight of Criticism and How She Overcame It
"Earlier, it would definitely have affected me, but right now I don't think that it's gonna matter much to me," Bhaker revealed during a virtual media interaction ahead of the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship. The 23-year-old sharpshooter elaborated on her emotional journey, acknowledging that external opinions once had the power to diminish her spirit.
She explained her current mindset: "I am very well aware of the criticism that might follow after a bad competition or the praise that might follow after a good competition. So that does not really affect me that much." This mental fortitude represents a marked shift from her earlier years in the sport.
Post-Olympic Positivity and Fan Support
Since securing two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bhaker has observed a noticeable change in public sentiment toward her performances. "Ever since the Olympics, I've seen a lot of people coming to my games, cheering for me, and supporting me," she shared with a smile.
She continued: "And regardless of how my performance is… even if I finish on the podium or not, I have seen a very positive change in people, and I really appreciate that." This consistent encouragement has reinforced her focus on the sport rather than external validation.
Maturity Through Experience and Upcoming Home Challenge
With mounting expectations accompanying each competition entry, Bhaker credits her longevity in shooting for her current composure. "I've basically grown up in the sport. I was 14 when I first came in, and now I'll be turning 24 soon," she reflected, highlighting her decade-long journey.
Her immediate focus is the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, scheduled from February 2 to 14 at Delhi's Dr Karni Singh Range. The event will feature over 300 shooters from 17 nations, but competing on home soil brings excitement rather than pressure for Bhaker.
"I feel very fit, very healthy at the moment, and I'm really looking forward to the Asian Championship," she stated. "Since the Asian Championship is going to be in Delhi itself, it's basically home ground for us. My family and friends are also going to watch."
Performance Over Podium: Bhaker's Personal Goals
Despite being one of India's foremost medal prospects, Bhaker consciously avoids outcome-oriented targets. "I haven't really set expectations like I'll have to get a gold or a silver or something," she clarified. However, she maintains rigorous standards for her performance.
She elaborated: "But in terms of performance, I have certain expectations. I have set a personal goal for myself in terms of performance. I have set a bar that this is the kind of level I should be at. I have also trained in a couple of different circumstances."
For Bhaker, the Asian Championship symbolizes growth derived from internal benchmarks rather than external noise. Her journey from a teenager affected by criticism to a mature athlete focused on continuous improvement underscores her evolution both as a shooter and an individual.
