Fifteen months after scripting Olympic history, India’s shooting star Manu Bhaker is back in the zone — this time with her sights firmly set on the upcoming ISSF World Championships in Cairo (6–18 November 2025) and the ISSF World Cup Finals in Doha (4–9 December 2025).
The 23-year-old from Jhajjar, Haryana, says her focus is sharper than ever as she gears up for back-to-back challenges against the world’s best.
Of course, I’m thinking of these events. I have a long-term plan, the World Championships first, followed by the World Cup Finals and then the Shooting League of India. We’re all working really hard for it.
Reliving A Historic Year
The Paris 2024 Olympics changed everything for Manu. On 28 July 2024, she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, clinching bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to add another bronze in the mixed team event, becoming the first Indian athlete in independent India’s history to win two medals at a single Games.
Even now, the memories remain vivid.
Time passes, and I knew it would eventually be in the past, but it was a wonderful year, not just for me, but for the entire shooting fraternity. I’m very proud of it and grateful to everyone, the IOA, NRAI, and SAI, who worked so hard.
Motivated By Reunion And Recognition
Bhaker recently reunited with her fellow Paris medallists, including Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kulsale, wrestler Aman Sehrawat, and members of the bronze medal-winning men’s hockey team, at a special felicitation ceremony organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in New Delhi.
Honestly, life has gone exactly as I imagined it after the Olympics. Everything’s going well. I had almost forgotten those moments, and this event was a great refresher. Meeting everyone gave me fresh motivation.
Back To Business
While 2024 was a year of glory, 2025 hasn’t been quiet either. In August, Bhaker won two bronze medals, in the women’s 10m air pistol individual and team events, at the Asian Shooting Championships in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. It marked her first individual medal at the continental level since she won gold in 2019 in Doha.
At the Worlds, the competition is more intense. Everyone is better prepared because it’s the biggest event outside the Olympics. In World Cups, some people may skip events, but nobody misses the World Championships.
Recovering, Refining, Recharging
Though Bhaker kept the finer details of her training under wraps, she hinted at a refreshed approach. “Right now, I’m enjoying my sport and following my regular training. I’ve started a few new things. I’m also recovering from some injuries, but it’s going very well — my team is working really hard with me.”
A Star Still Rising
From the Youth Olympics to the Commonwealth Games, from World Cup golds to Olympic glory, Manu Bhaker’s journey has been a masterclass in perseverance and precision. As she prepares to take aim again — this time in Cairo and Doha — one thing is clear: India’s golden girl of shooting isn’t done making history just yet.
