Manu Bhaker Takes Home The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024
Indian shooting sensation, Manu Bhaker, will be soon awarded India’s sporting arena’s highest accolade — the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024. For her exemplary contributions and achievements in the sport of shooting, the President Of India, Sri. Droupadi Murmu will present this award on January 17, 2025, to Manu Bhaker. A Bit About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Instituted in 1991, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award has been given in honor of the legendary Indian hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand. This award will catapult Manu Bhaker into the history of sporting activities of India as one of the historic bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024 for players of international sports of excellence who have rendered outstanding performances at international levels. Manu Bhaker’s Path Towards Glory The road for Manu Bhaker in this landmark achievement had actually begun at the age of 14. She had passed through various kinds of sports in her life-tennis, boxing, and skating-before finally settling upon shooting. Once she decided that shooting was something for her, passion for the sport began at a rapid speed, and by the end of the week when she decided it, her father, being a very steady support to her, went out and bought a pistol to initiate what would go on to be a legendary career. Manu Bhaker’s Meteoric Ascent Manu Bhaker reached her peak within a very short span of time. Bhaker, who has crowned herself as National champion in 2017 at National Shooting Championships, had set a national record for producing 242.3 in 10m Air Pistol far higher than Olympian and former world No.1 Heena Sidhu. She did win a silver medal in Asian Junior Championships that year itself, thereby already consolidating her status as one of the brightest stars of young India. Manu Bhaker’s First International Experience 2018 has been the season where Bhaker announced herself globally. She, at Guadalajara, made history breaching the qualification round junior world record and won her very first gold as a 16-year-old, which gave her the right to be an ISSF World Cup gold medallist when only 16 years old-a record that may be difficult for anyone else in the country. Manu Bhaker continued on the same winning spree, bagging multiple golds in single events and team mixed events also. Manu Bhaker Breaks Records Manu Bhaker shot a new Games record to clinch the gold in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. This streak of success was topped by a good performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she narrowly missed a medal as her pistol jammed at the crucial moment after topping the qualification round. Her efforts finally paid off when she won the bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol at the 2024 Paris Olympics and so entered the league of the world’s best shooters. Manu Bhaker; A Deserving Candidate For A Big Prize This prize appreciates not only the feat she achieved at the competition level but also for the efforts that she had made and perseverance with which she managed to bring the attention of the whole world to Indian shooting. Bhaker has motivated thousands of youngsters all across the nation with the performances that she gave and with the saga of persistence which she tells about facing all kinds of adversities. Bright Future For Manu Bhaker Ahead Manu Bhaker’s name will be etched in the pages of history books next to sporting legends of India as she is one of the select few who receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The Government Of India will confer this distinction on Bhaker on January 17, 2025, in a ceremony that will forever etch her name in Indian sport history. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024 Medallists Return To National Shooting Championships
India’s Paris Olympics 2024 medallists are expected to return to competitive shooting at the Senior National Shooting Championships, which will commence on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Olympic Medalists Return To Action At National Shooting Championships The Senior National Shooting Championships will feature big names such as Swapnil Kusale, who will be competing in the rifle events and Sarabjot Singh, who will compete in the pistol events. However, the star of India’s Paris 2024 campaign, Manu Bhaker, will only compete in the Minimum Qualification Score (MQS) section, meaning that her scores will not be taken into account in the competition. Will Manu Bhaker Participate At National Shooting Championships? Manu Bhaker was a double medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024. She has sought to be considered for the MQS section while she continues to recover and polish her skills. After a long break following her success at Paris 2024, she traveled with her personal coach, Jaspal Rana to Lugano, Switzerland, to focus on improving the technical aspects of her weapon at the Morini factory. Currently, Bhaker has been training at Delhi’s Karni Singh Shooting Range however she prefers to take more time before fully re-engaging in high-level competition. Manu, the other two Olympic medallists—Kusale and Singh—are returning from a break in training by skipping the October World Cup. Selection Trials And National Games After selection trials, the National Games are scheduled in Uttarakhand starting from January 28,2025 to February 14, 2025. Even the NRAI has not stated its official selection policy in place yet, though debate is going on about alterations. Among such, one important proposal on table includes the right to practice the national campers with personal coaches outside the national camps, which is similar to that adopted by the NRAI a few years back at Paris Olympics where shooters ready to head for the Games can meet their personal coaches who remain in touch with national coaches. NRAI Policy Discussions And Support Elite Shooters With domestic competition still growing, another proposal in discussion is to help shooters who have fallen out of the national team’s ecosystem. It is challenging for many shooters to re-enter the national camp once they are out for some time. This new policy may help in technical support and coaching for such talents. Participation At Senior National Shooting Championships A record 13,522 shooters have enrolled for the national championships, which will be participated in rifle events, with the maximum number of entries (7,013). Rifle competitions will be held from December 15-31 at the MP State Shooting Academy in Bhopal. Pistol competitions will be conducted at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. Also, 837 shotgun shooters will be taking part in skeet, trap, and double trap competitions with defending champions Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Ganemat Sekhon eyeing title retention in men’s and women’s skeet. Which athlete are you looking forward to perform at the National Shooting Championships? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Manu Bhaker’s Net Worth Soars to Rs 12 Crore After Paris Olympics 2024
Manu Bhaker set the tricolor flying high with her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker won a couple of bronze medals in shooting, bringing home laurels that inspire millions across India and beyond with her performances as one of the most promising athletes. Apart from her sporting success, Manu Bhaker has also been in the limelight for her financial gains post Paris 2024. Manu Bhaker’s Net Worth Soars As of 2024, the real net worth of Manu Bhaker is reportedly an incredible Rs 12 crore by Deccan Herald and Wikipedia. This young girl has mostly contributed much bulk wealth towards her illustrious shooting career and a string of lucrative endorsement deals. The big brands are interested in her star power, with Manu Bhaker having sealed sponsorships with Nothing India and Performax. True enough, her brand value is reaching the rooftop and it is now believed that in today’s time, Manu Bhaker charges around Rs 1.5 crore for any kind of advertisement. Endorsements Boost Brand Value Endorsements have now become a robust part of Manu Bhaker’s financial portfolio. According to MoneyControl, the range of endorsement fees for a female athlete in India ranges between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 30 lakh. And Manu Bhaker falls nowhere short of it. Her brand associations with major corporates have concretized her place in the long-nurtured dream of sports marketing. Manu Bhaker’s net worth was quoted to be around Rs 60 lakh before her achievements at Paris Olympics 2024, which shows rapid financial escalation with every accomplishment. The meteoric rise of Manu Bhaker in the sporting field, regarding money earned and reputation, becomes an inspiration toward dedication for the sport and a very promising future ahead. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: India’s Performance Report Card At The Games
India’s campaign at Paris Olympics 2024 evoked mixed reviews. While India bagged six medals, thereby securing its third-best ever overall performance. The Paris Olympics 2024 campaign revealed an array of performances across different sports. Here is a report card of India’s performances at Paris Olympics 2024. Athletics: F and A+ On an overall count, the athletics contingent did very poorly, as most of its athletes failed to match their personal best. But Neeraj Chopra’s silver in javelin was a high point as it was the second-best throw of his life. While the broader athletics performance was lackluster, Chopra’s achievement earned an A+ for its high standards. Archery: C+ Although archery seemed to have some hope, it was the case that the team did not turn out to be as expected. Deepika Kumari was one among the underperformers, while Dhiraj Bommadevara and Bhajan Kaur were people with a lot of promise. The redeeming factors proved to be the historic fourth-place finish and semifinalists marking the history of the team. The management missteps by the federation and lack of top-level support pulled down the grade overall. Badminton: D For the first time since 2008, India failed to secure an Olympic medal in badminton. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty and PV Sindhu were all big expectations in this realm; however, all of them underperformed. A near-bronze performance came from Lakshya Sen, which was a bright spot, but otherwise, the results were a disappointment. Boxing: F The Indian boxers suffered a poor Olympics, with several high hopes coming to naught. While both the world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain didn’t return with medals, the issues with the federation regarding the selection and seeding policies were completely evident. There has to be great change in the boxing federation if future prospects are to be improved. Equestrian: B Anush Agarwalla’s qualification and performance in equestrian events were commendable, given the low expectations. Finishing 52nd was an achievement in itself and Agarwalla’s continued presence on the circuit is promising for future competitions. Golf: D Golf did not meet expectations, with Aditi Ashok’s tied-29th finish being the best among Indian golfers. Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar also underperformed. The results were below expectations, especially after Ashok’s near-miss in Tokyo. Hockey: A The Indian hockey team punched above its weight to garner bronze in a performance that matched the Tokyo iteration of the team yet again with the exact same medal. But the display in Paris was telling of how they had grown and adapted well enough to bag successive medals for the first time since over 50 years. Judo: N/A Tulika Maan’s campaign was as short as its beginning with the loss, but qualification itself was worthy. An evaluation is hard owing to the fleeting nature of her time at the event. Rowing: B Balraj Panwar’s 23rd-place finish in rowing met expectations of a low ranking as he had only started the sport a year ago. His performance, though not pathbreaking in any way, was a decent start. Sailing: C+ Sailing results were disappointing with Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan finishing 18th and 21st. Though not medal contenders by a distance, they had the experience to finish a bit higher than what eventually did. Shooting: A+ Shooting became India’s standout sport, with three medals, ending a 12-year drought. Two bronze medals from Manu Bhaker and the good performances of Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale proved that Indian shooters could really throw their weight in this discipline and their achievements deserving of an A+. Swimming: B+ Swimming turned out some encouraging results, especially some fine finishes by India’s swimmers. Though there were no medals, the performances of Srihari Nataraj and others did showcase a lot of promise and pointed out the requirement of more investments in this sport. Table Tennis: C and A India’s performance in table tennis had mixed results. The men’s team did less than ordinary, however the women’s team put up quite a stellar show, with Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula reaching the quarterfinal. It was a high point in a performance that left much to be desired in other sports. For now, the better part of India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 can be described as giving mixed indicators of gains and challenges to be overcome in different sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shteye
Paris 2024: High Brand Value for Manu Bhaker as She Shines at Games
With less than a week until bagging two medals in the finals at the Paris Olympics 2024 and still on the verge of her third final, Manu Bhaker’s surging popularity gets a lot of eyeballs from big brands. Having already won two bronzes in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events and the strong chance of a third medal coming in the 25m air pistol, Bhaker’s market price has gone up exponentially. Endorsement Fee Surge The endorsement fees for Manu Bhaker were earlier INR 20-25 lakh. With the recent successes, the amount increased dramatically, which can be noted to as high as INR 1.5 crore presently. This steep hike thus mirrors the increasing recognition and commercial potential accruing to her successes. Rise in Interest from Brands The management team of Manu Bhaker has been deluged with endorsement offers, with about 40 inquiries within less than a week. While the focus has shifted to long-term endorsement deals, there are openings also for short-term digital engagements. Commercial Success Manu Bhaker’s exceptional performances at Paris Olympics 2024 has not only added to her stature in the sporting world but also elevated her as a major commercial asset, placing her among some of the other top athletes who have made a difference in the game and beyond. As Manu Bhaker gears up for another the final showdown at Paris 2024, there’s a speculation that her brand value is going to shoot up more and more in the times ahead. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Indian Athletes Gear Up for a Crucial Day 7
Day 7 will look for a rejuvenated performance in athletics by Indian athletes after Day 6 turned out to be a mixed bag at the Paris Olympics 2024. The hopes of the nation were lifted by Swapnil Kusale, who secured the third medal for India on Day 6, but it also marked the exit of some key athletes. Star athletes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen, and dynamic badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the competition. Manu Bhaker Leads India’s Charge As Day 7 of the Paris Olympics 2024 unfurls, India’s contingent looks ahead for impactful performances by their representatives, led by none other than shooting sensation Manu Bhaker. Bhaker, who has so far claimed two medals in the ongoing games, will feature in the 25m pistol qualification, trying to push one more medal home. Also check Manu Bhaker’s journey to redemption here. High Stakes in Hockey and Badminton The Indian men’s hockey team is all geared up for a mighty Australian side in the Pool B match, which has been one of the most highly-anticipated encounters. This match will be critical to the advancement of India in this event and will surely create immense anticipation for the followers for a strong performance by the squad. Attention will now shift to Lakshya Sen, who faces a stiff challenge in the men’s singles quarterfinal contest against Chou Tien Chen. Sen’s form and never-say-die attitude will be put on trial as he strives to move further ahead. Archery Mixed Team and Sailing Events The archery mixed team event will have Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat in the 1/8 Eliminations. Though the duo has a stiff competition against them, good run to the end lies with a possible medal at stake. Balraj Panwar will feature in sailing’s Final D of the men’s single sculls, which, in effect, is a classification race. Though this is not a medal race, Panwar will look to finish strong. Other Indian Athletes in Action Other Indian athletes in action include Tulika Mann, the judoka woman and sailors Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan. Slightly later in the evening, athletics fans will also be keenly watching out for shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor and 5000m runner Parul Chaudhary, who are scheduled to compete in their respective events. Where to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast Details Fans in India can catch all the action from the Paris Olympics 2024 live on the JioCinema app and website, and it’s absolutely free. The events are also broadcast on the Sports18 TV channels, so that one does not miss a single moment of the action. With India looking to improve upon its medal count, Day 7 at the Paris Olympics 2024 is again going to be one of hope, resolve and competitive spirit. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Sarabjot Singh’s Journey To The Podium
Sarabjot Singh has marked a remarkable milestone in Indian sports by clinching a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Partnering with Manu Bhaker, Singh played a crucial role in securing India’s second medal at Paris 2024, overcoming earlier setbacks to achieve his dream. The Indian duo displayed exceptional skill and composure at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, defeating South Korea 16-10 in the final. Sarabjot Singh contributed by scoring 110.2 points out of India’s total of 261.3. His performance included pivotal shots of 10.2 and 10.5 that ensured India’s victory. From Humble Beginnings to Olympic Stardom Sarabjot Singh hails from Dheen village in Ambala, Haryana, where his father Jatinder Singh works as a farmer and his mother Hardeep Kaur is a homemaker. His introduction to shooting came during his childhood at a summer camp, where he was captivated by the sight of children using air guns. Though initially aspiring to be a footballer, Singh’s passion shifted to shooting after this experience. In 2014, at the age of 13, Singh expressed his desire to pursue shooting to his father. Despite concerns about the sport’s cost, Singh’s persistent efforts convinced his family to support his decision. His early foray into shooting was marked by a silver medal in his debut district-level tournament, which set the stage for his future successes. Rise to Prominence Singh’s ascent in the shooting world began in earnest when he joined the AR Shooting Academy in Ambala Cantt, training under coach Abhishek Rana. His dedication quickly paid off as he won gold medals at the 2019 Junior World Championship and achieved significant success in subsequent competitions. Singh secured the Asian Games team gold and mixed team silver in 2023 and an individual bronze at the 2023 Asian Championships, which earned him a quota place for the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite his impressive track record, Singh faced a heart-wrenching moment at the Paris Games when he missed out on the final of the men’s 10m pistol event by a narrow margin, finishing ninth with a score of 577-16x. The deciding factor was a single inner 10, highlighting the intense competition and precision required in Olympic shooting. A Triumphant Redemption Sarabjot Singh’s Olympic journey took a triumphant turn with the bronze medal win in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event. His contribution was crucial as he and Manu Bhaker maintained their lead throughout the match, eventually securing a comfortable victory. Singh was awarded with his first Olympic medal. Click here to know more on how the game went. Manu Bhaker, who had previously won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, became the first Indian to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. Sarabjot Singh’s achievement places him among the elite shooters to have represented India on this prestigious stage. Sarabjot Singh’s journey from a young boy with a dream to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye