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“Are my girls less than my boys?” This one sentence, said in Haryanvi, simultaneously describes the potential of daughters and the discrimination they have been facing for years. Especially Haryana, which has been infamous for Khap Panchayats and gender inequality for a long time, if anyone has changed its image, then the girls there. Manu Bhaker, a resident of Jhajjar, Haryana, is one such daughter. Manu Bhaker, who has won several gold medals in air gun shooting, has been awarded the Arjuna Award for her outstanding performance in sports in 2020. In this exclusive interview with Health Shots, let us know about the strength, dreams and journey of Airgun shooter Manu Bhaker.
In Haryana, which is known for power sports like boxing, wrestling and kabaddi, Manu Bhaker has made a mark in air gun shooting. Manu speaks less but keeps her point firmly. She admits that it was difficult to adjust to this game, which demands 100% focus, unlike contact sports, but if you want to fulfill big dreams, then you should be ready for difficulties. She believes that if girls are not stopped from dreaming, they can achieve a lot.
Know who is Manu Bhaker
Originally from Jhajjar, Haryana, Manu talks about herself and says, “Manu Bhaker is a power athlete. Jae dreams big and is equally mentally strong and hardworking. As a pistol shooter, I have represented India in various competitions. I have also been a part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where I got the 7th position. I am 20 years old and have been doing air gun shooting since last 7 years.
Since childhood, Manu has been interested in sports. After participating in different sports, she has now made pistol shooting her field and has been representing India in different competitions of pistol shooting since last 7 years. He won the gold medal in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Has also participated in Asian Championship and many World Cup competitions.
Games started from a very young age
Since childhood, he was interested in participating in different sports. However, he also started with boxing, the most popular sport in Haryana. But he didn’t feel much interest here. Manu shares, “I loved Contex Sports since childhood. Boxing, Karate etc. I started with boxing. After that there was a trend towards karate. I used to try any new game that I could understand. I also played kabaddi for a few days, basket ball, khokho, lawn tennis, participated in every game till class 10th.
After that I saw the shooting range in the school. Then I thought, why not try shooting too. It was a lot of fun watching, learning and participating in it for a few months.
Was it challenging to juggle with the shoot?
Of course it is very different from contact sports. In this you neither have to show aggression nor give any expression of your own. You just have to do your work calmly and coolly. Gradually I have adapted myself accordingly. My desire to move forward in shooting is also increased because there is no discrimination here. A person of any gender, any age can move ahead without any discrimination. This is what attracted me the most.
I was just 16 when I participated in the Commonwealth Games and won gold in the senior category. There is no age bar here. Anyone can take part in it. This time also I have come to Cairo to participate in the World Cup.
These days many girls are becoming vocal about gender discrimination in sports, is it really so?
If I talk about boxing, karate and kabaddi etc, then yes there is a bit of sexism, there is discrimination on the basis of gender also. But this is not the case in shooting, we all participate in it as a team. I have never faced any such discrimination either from any individual or from the Federation.
Does gender ever hinder performance?
Yes it is a bit difficult. Earlier we used to do menstrual cycle planning with our nutritionist. So that there is no need to face any kind of cramps or mood swings during the competition. Sometimes he used to take pills too. But now we get on with it and have learned to handle ourselves better.
There are challenges, sometimes we don’t have female coaches with us. Sometimes your mental level is not such that you can focus completely. But now it seems that it has to happen every month. We are participating in some or the other competition every month. In this way, gradually I have also learned to handle myself.
mental health and airgun shooting
The most important aspect in shooting is mental health. Because you cannot win every competition. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. Mental health plays a dual role in shootings. It also helps you in improving your mental health. Because it requires so much focus that nothing else will come to your mind.
You can progress in any field only when you are mentally healthy and focused. We should not only win but also know how to deal with defeat.
The most difficult thing for girls is their emotional health. Girls get emotionally involved very quickly anywhere. You collect a lot of things in your mind, which can be quite unhealthy and toxic. Your performance can be a loss, a win, and sometimes too mediocre. That’s why it is important to keep yourself emotionally strong. It is always useful to do your work by being emotionally detached.
You are from a different kind of sport, ever come across some strange things?
Yes, it is true. Still many people do not know about shooting. Whenever I step out wearing a track suit, people often ask which game do you play. When I tell them that I shoot, most of them assume that it will be a film or a video shoot. Even now very few people know about air gun shooting. While it is the fastest growing sport in India. More and more people should come in this.
Some people’s understanding is of a very high standard, they think that in this they just have to stand and shoot and it is very easy. Those who feel like this, they too must try pistol shooting once. Nothing is really easy. Each game demands your full attention and dedication.
Shooting is an expensive game, it requires a lot of resources. When there is family support, then you move ahead without any mental stress. I am fortunate that both my parents supported me a lot. From boxing to shooting here, he not only stood by me in every decision, but also supported me to keep moving forward.
Do sports interfere with studies?
It is not like that at all, you need to balance. I have done my graduation in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi. Now I am pursuing MA in Public Administration from DAV College Chandigarh, Panjab University. I don’t think sports means saying goodbye to studies. Rather, I would like to study further as long as possible. After this, I would also like to pursue a degree in business studies from a good college. I hope this dream of mine will also come true.
your message to the girls
For my young friends, girls of the new century, I would like to say that don’t settle for less. Dream big and be ready to fulfill those dreams. Every dream demands your full attention and dedication.
And for the parents, I would like to suggest that do not stop your daughters. Don’t take away from them the right to dream and fulfill them. Just stand by her in what she wants to do.
(Manu Bhaker Ko Health Shots she sledge awards Has been nominated in the sports champion category. Click on this link to vote for her and know more about other inspiring women like her- she sledge awards )
Read this also – We can laugh at girls’ hair, but can’t talk to them about sex: Neera Jalakshatriya
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