New Delhi: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." These timeless words from the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, resonate deeply with Manu Bhaker, India's ace shooter.
At the Paris Olympics, these words were her guiding light as she clinched a historic bronze medal with a score of 221.7, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting here on Sunday.
For Bhaker, the teachings of the Gita are more than philosophical musings—they are a way of life. "I read a lot of the Gita," she shared after her victory. "What was going on in my mind was to do what I could do, what I was supposed to do, and leave everything as you can’t control the destiny or outcome of it. In the Gita, Krishna says to Arjuna, ‘You focus on your karma and not on the outcome of the karma.' Only that was running in my mind. Just do your thing and let it all be."
This profound wisdom guided Bhaker through the pressure and intensity of the competition. With unwavering focus, she channeled all her energy into each shot, embodying the essence of karma yoga—the path of selfless action.
Her dedication and composure paid off, earning her a coveted place on the Olympic podium and ending India's 20-year wait for a female shooter to medal at the Games. South Korea’s Ye Jin won the gold with an Olympic record of 243.2 points, while her compatriot Kim Yeji took the silver with 241.3 points.
Bhaker’s journey to this moment of glory has been marked by resilience and determination. Her bronze medal at the Paris Olympics is seen as a redemption arc, a powerful comeback from the heartbreak she endured at the Tokyo Olympics.
In Tokyo, a malfunctioning pistol during the qualifications led to a devastating end to her campaign. The technical snag consumed six precious minutes, forcing her to complete her remaining shots in a significantly reduced time frame. Despite her best efforts, she fell just two points short of qualifying for the finals, a setback that left her deeply disappointed.
However, Bhaker did not let this disappointment deter her. She remained focused on her karma, continuing to train and compete with unwavering dedication. Her bronze medal in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and her belief in the power of focused action.
Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, a state renowned for producing world-class athletes, Bhaker initially explored various sports, including boxing, tennis, and skating, before discovering her passion for shooting in 2016.
Her rapid ascent in the sport was marked by a standout performance at the 2017 national shooting championships, where she bested Olympian and former world No. 1 Heena Sidhu, signaling her arrival on the world stage.
Reflecting on her victory, Bhaker expressed her gratitude and dedication to her country. She thanked the National Rifle Association of India, the Sports Authority of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Coach Jaspal Rana, the Haryana government, and the Olympic Gold Quest for their unwavering support.
She also dedicated her win to India, saying, "We are looking forward to as many events as possible this time and winning more medals. The entire team has really worked hard. Personally, for me, the feeling is surreal that I did a good job and put in a lot of effort. Even till the last shot, I was fighting with all the energy that I had. I am really grateful that I could win a bronze for India."
As Bhaker continues to compete and strive for excellence, she embodies the spirit of the Bhagavad Gita—focusing on her duty with dedication and detachment from the outcomes. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a testament to the enduring power of ancient wisdom in modern times.