Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has turned a moment of disappointment into a lesson in resilience, acknowledging that in sports, “you cannot win every day” after failing to make the podium at the recent ISSF World Championships. Despite her high expectations, the 23-year-old shooter remained upbeat, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
“I was aiming for medals at the World Championships, and my performance was good — I scored decently. But sometimes, even when you try your best, things don’t go as planned. My teammate Esha Singh made it to the podium, and I’m proud of her,” Bhaker said during the launch of the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) initiative on Tuesday.
Bhaker’s candid comments come as a surprise to many who expected her to secure a spot among the 13 Indian medallists at the tournament. Nevertheless, she took the setback in stride, emphasizing the importance of learning from both victories and defeats. “In sports, you cannot win every day. Sometimes you lose, and that’s part of the journey,” she added.
In a heartfelt tribute to specially-abled athletes, Bhaker spoke about the motivation she draws from their resilience. “The specially-abled athletes are an incredible source of inspiration. The fighting spirit they show is unmatched,” Bhaker said. “We all learn a lot from them.”.
Her comments come as Indian shooters Dhanush Srikanth and Mohammad Vania made history at the ongoing Tokyo Deaflympics. Srikanth defended his men’s 10m air rifle title with a new world record score of 252.2, while Vania clinched silver in the same event.
Bhaker extended her congratulations to the athletes and pledged support: “If they ever need any help or assistance, we will be there for them.”
Bhaker also discussed the launch of her new initiative, ASMITA, which aims to inspire young women in rural India to pursue sports and overcome societal barriers. “In many parts of the country, women still face resistance when they dream big in sports,” Bhaker explained. “ASMITA will work to change that mindset and help women believe in their potential to achieve greatness.”
The initiative is set to be a game-changer, providing resources, mentorship, and a platform for aspiring athletes to break through traditional limitations and carve a path to success.
Though Bhaker’s performance at the ISSF World Championships did not live up to her own standards, her reflections on failure, her unwavering support for teammates, and her commitment to empowering women in sports reaffirm her status as a role model.
For Bhaker, it’s clear: True victory is not just about standing on the podium, but lifting others up along the way.
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