PremiumKBC 16: Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker opens up about shooting, yoga, mother's inspiration
Manu Bhaker discussed the challenges of shooting and her Olympic dreams with Amitabh Bachchan during a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16.
Last Updated: 09.06 AM, Sep 05, 2024
With two athletes who have brought honour to India, who better to share in the joy of triumph than? A special episode called Jeet Ka Jashn will air on September 5 on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. Two special guests—wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who became the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal, and sharpshooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics—recently filmed the episode with Amitabh Bachchan.
Manu Bhaker's commitment to winning gold for India
Standing tall on the hot seat, Bhaker declared her unwavering commitment to fulfilling her lifelong aim of winning a gold medal for India. She elaborated on how the sport extends beyond the brief moment of firing when the legendary host questioned her about the length of time shooters wait after firing a shot.
Bhaker shared that shooting is far more complicated than picking up a gun and aiming, despite popular belief. Their heart rates increase during a match, so it's important to keep calm no matter how nervous they are. It takes time and experience to control that anxiousness. She meditates, does surya namaskar, and does yoga to keep her mind sharp. In addition, Bhaker has a breathing technique that she uses: four-second inhalation and eight-second exhalation.
Bhaker's mother's unwavering support and inspiration
Additionally, she mentioned that her mother, who had athletic aspirations, is the person who has inspired her the most. She has always let Bhaker do what and when she wants. She believes that a daughter inherits her mother's strength.
When asked who inspired Bharat Ki Beti, Bhaker said on the show that her mom is her biggest inspiration. Her mother never had the opportunity or encouragement she needed to pursue her lifelong goal of being a professional athlete. She had outstanding athletic ability, but she never considered how far she could go as an athlete. She has always encouraged Bhaker to follow her passions without interference, and she would reassure her, "Don't worry, just play," if the athlete was afraid. It was her mother's wish, too, to see her succeed in life. Bhaker's mother has been a great source of support for her.
Moreover, the Olympian started following sports seriously and dreaming of making it to the Olympics once she began watching PV Sindhu and Mary Kom, two more incredible athletes who were a huge inspiration to her.