Haryana Election: Manu Bhaker votes for first time, sends powerful message to youth

Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker voted for the first time in the Haryana assembly elections. After casting her vote, 22-year-old Bhaker sent out a strong message for the youth of the country, asking them to do their duty and make sure that they play an active part in choosing the leaders of the country.

Bhaker, who is currently on a break after bronze medal wins in Paris Olympics, said that small steps led to big goals and it was important for the country’s youth to vote for their favourable leaders, who they felt could bring a change.

“I think it is our responsibility being the youth of the country that we vote. Whoever according to you is the best candidate, is the best leader, you should go vote for them. Our small steps lead to big goals and the development is in our hands, because our chosen leaders will only fulfil our dreams,” Man Bhaker told ANI in an interview.

“This is the first time that I voted. I was quite excited and I am glad I’ve gotten that out of the way now,” she further added.

While she is away from shooting Manu Bhaker has been active in her social duties as the youth of the country. Bhaker recently hit back at social media trolls with a scathing post on X on September 25. Bhaker slammed the trolls who criticised her for wearing her Olympic medals in every promotional event that she went to.

Despite the abuse and mockery, Bhaker had opted to remain quiet this long, but finally broke her silence via her social media account, stating that she wore those medals with pride and it was a way of sharing her journey with her fellow Indians.

“The two bronze medals I won at the Paris 2024 Olympics belong to India. Whenever I am invited for any event and asked to show these medals, I do it with pride. This is my way of sharing my beautiful journey,” Manu Bhaker said on Twitter.

Manu Bhaker had emerged as the standout performer for India, securing two bronze medals and etching her name in the record books. Her first medal came in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event, which also marked India’s inaugural medal at the Paris Games. Demonstrating composure and precision, Bhaker navigated the qualifying rounds with consistent scores, earning her a spot in the finals. Facing stiff competition, she maintained her focus and delivered a performance that secured her a place on the podium.

Building on this momentum, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh in the Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol event. The duo exhibited remarkable coordination and mutual understanding, essential qualities in mixed-team events. Their combined efforts culminated in another bronze medal for India. This achievement made Bhaker the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, a testament to her skill and dedication.