India's Manu Bhaker has been awarded Rs 30 lakh by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for winning two medals at the Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old won medals at 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events (along with Sarabjot Singh) in the first week of the Games and created history. Since then, she has been the toast of the nation. Manu missed out on a medal in her third event, 25m pistol, by a whisker finishing in the fourth position.
After creating history in Paris, Manu Bhaker returned to India on Wednesday (August 7). She was warmly welcomed by the supporters at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Despite the rain, the crowd gathered enthusiastically to greet her at the arrival. She was welcomed with bouquets, garlands, traditional dhol drums and rose petals were showered on her too.
She already has her eyes set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is determined to bring more glory to the nation. "After the end of one Olympics, I already have the next one on my mind, and the journey for LA 2028 has already begun," Manu told PTI.
India's medal winner expressed her delight on Thursday (August 8) after meeting the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. "It was an honour to meet the Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today and personally thank him for his support and encouragement. With his continued efforts, the nation's sportspersons can reach even greater heights!" her tweet read.
Earlier, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya had also posted pictures of meeting with Manu Bhaker while congratulating her for winning two bronze medals for India at the Olympics.