Manu Bhaker Biography: Olympic Medals, Net Worth, and Career Records

Early Life and Multisport Background

Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in the village of Goria in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India. Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, worked as a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy, and her mother, Sumedha, was a school principal.

Before committing to shooting at the age of 14, Bhaker participated in several other sports. Public records show she competed in Huyen langlon (a Manipuri martial art), boxing, skating, and tennis at the state level. In 2016, her father provided ₹1,50,000 for her first professional pistol and formal training.

Career Breakout and Initial Success

Bhaker’s competitive breakout occurred in 2017 at the National Games in Kerala. At age 15, she defeated the then-national record holder Heena Sidhu and won nine gold medals, setting a new record score of 242.3. In 2018, at the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, she became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at a World Cup. Later that year, she won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Critical Challenges and Public Scrutiny

Bhaker’s career has been marked by specific incidents that led to significant public debate and professional setbacks.

The Tokyo 2020 Pistol Malfunction: During the 10m air pistol qualification at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Bhaker’s pistol suffered a mechanical failure involving the cocking lever. She spent approximately 17 minutes attempting to repair the weapon with her coach and technical officials. This technical issue resulted in her failing to qualify for the final. Following this, she faced widespread criticism on social media, with many commentators questioning her temperament under pressure.

The Medal "Flexing" Trolling: Following her double-medal success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bhaker was frequently seen carrying her medals to public appearances and television interviews. This led to a wave of online criticism where she was accused of "showing off." Bhaker addressed the trolling directly, stating that the medals were a achievement for the nation and she carried them because she was asked to by the public and media.

The Fashion Show Controversy: In late 2024, Bhaker walked the ramp at a major fashion show in India. This appearance triggered public debate, with critics suggesting she was becoming distracted from her sport by celebrity culture. Bhaker responded by posting a photograph of her extensive medal collection won over eight years, asserting that her focus on her professional career remained unchanged.

The Peak of Fame: 2024 Paris Olympics

Despite the challenges faced between 2021 and 2023, Bhaker reached a career peak during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting, securing a bronze in the Women's 10m air pistol event. Days later, she won a second bronze medal in the Mixed 10m air pistol team event. This made her the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games.

Public Life and Relationships

Bhaker maintains a private personal life. There are no documented public records regarding her romantic relationships. Her professional life remains closely managed by her family and her coach, Jaspal Rana. She is a graduate of Lady Shri Ram College for Women with a degree in Political Science and has continued higher education in Public Administration.

Business and Net Worth in 2025

As of late 2025, Manu Bhaker’s financial portfolio has grown significantly. Following her Paris success, her brand endorsement fees reportedly increased from ₹25 lakhs to between ₹1.5 and ₹2.5 crores per deal.

Endorsements: She represents brands such as Thums Up, Performax Activewear, and various lifestyle companies.

Government Grants: She is a long-term recipient of funding from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Estimated Net Worth: Financial analysts estimate her net worth in early 2026 to be approximately ₹12 crore to ₹15 crore ($1.5M - $1.8M USD), which includes career prize money and brand equity.

Evolution and Current Status

In 2025 and 2026, Bhaker has transitioned to a more selective competition schedule. She has incorporated activities like violin and horse riding into her routine, which she credits for her mental health. She is currently training for the upcoming ISSF World Cup circuit and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.