Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting sensation, etched her name in history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian since independence to bag two medals in a single edition of the Games. India’s overall medal tally stood at six, with Bhaker contributing two. She secured a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker’s remarkable performance earned her the honor of being India’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
However, Bhaker’s Olympic triumph was overshadowed by rumors surrounding her personal life. Videos emerged on social media showing her interacting closely with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won a silver medal in Paris. The videos sparked speculation about a potential romantic relationship between the two athletes.
Addressing the rumors, Bhaker stated, “I don’t know much about it. I wasn’t there when this happened. But since 2018, we have been meeting on the sidelines of events. We don’t have that much interaction otherwise. During events, we talk a little. But there is no truth to the rumors that are going around.”
Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan, further dismissed the speculations, emphasizing that his daughter is too young for marriage. “Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now,” he said.
Kishan also shed light on the close bond between Bhaker’s mother and Chopra. “Manu’s mother considers Neeraj like her son,” he explained.
Chopra’s uncle also addressed the marriage rumors, stating, “Just as Neeraj brought the medal, the entire country got to know about it. Similarly, when he marries, then everyone will know.”
Despite the rumors, Bhaker remains focused on her shooting career. Her historic achievement at the Paris Olympics has cemented her status as one of India’s most promising young athletes.
