Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker found herself at the center of an online debate after being asked an unexpected question at the National Rifle Association of India’s 75th anniversary celebration. What seemed like a harmless question quickly triggered criticism from sports fans across the country.
Manu Bhaker, who created history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal and the first Indian shooter to win multiple Olympic medals, was attending the special NRAI event when reporters approached her. Instead of asking about her own achievements or the future of Indian shooting, she was asked about 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and his growing potential.
Despite the surprising question, Manu Bhaker handled the moment with grace. She said that talent has no age limit and that with the right guidance, good company and proper mentorship, the young player could become a big star in the future. Her calm and thoughtful reply reflected the maturity and humility that have defined her career.
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However, the public reaction online was very different. Many people questioned why an athlete of Manu Bhaker’s stature was being asked to comment on a cricketer during an event celebrating Indian shooting. Fans felt this was disrespectful to an Olympian who has brought pride to the country through historic achievements.
Here are few selected reactions:
https://x.com/romit8/status/2048759037928657299
https://x.com/sudeepdesai2/status/2048836934022361439
https://x.com/SamikDasgupta4/status/2048764819223072967
https://x.com/B_mohn_/status/2048775438919754085
https://x.com/wazza_pk/status/2048814073694077327
https://x.com/ArnabBi95927148/status/2048769566466314559
The incident also reopened the conversation about cricket’s overwhelming dominance in India. Many argued that while young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi deserve recognition, it was unfair to shift the spotlight away from a champion like Manu Bhaker at an event meant to honour shooting sports.
The anger online was not really about one question, it was about a larger issue. For many fans, it highlighted how athletes from other sports are often treated as less important compared to cricketers, even when they achieve extraordinary success on the world stage.
Manu Bhaker answered with dignity but the moment reminded everyone that India still has a long way to go in giving equal respect to all its sporting heroes.
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