Paris Olympics 2024 double medallist Manu Bhaker received a thunderous ovation on her visit to maternal grandparents village in Jhajjar on Sunday.
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been on a whirlwind tour of entire India ever since she has returned from Paris Olympics 2024 as double bronze medallist. On Sunday (August 25), Manu finally took the time to visit her maternal grandparents’ village – Khanpur Khurd – in Haryana’s Jhajjar district.
Manu got a grand reception on her arrival in Jhajjar and was showered with flowers and garlanded by the massive crowd which had gathered to welcome their daughter outside her naani’s home. The video of her grand reception in Jhajjar soon went viral on social media.
WATCH Manu Bhaker’s grand reception in Jhajjar HERE…
#WATCH | Jhajjar, Haryana: Indian Shooter & double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker receives a grand welcome on her arrival at her maternal grandparent’s residence in Khanpur Khurd. pic.twitter.com/nqqmlFnpIO
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2024
The double Olympic medalist called for enhanced facilities in her village to foster the next generation of athletes. “If we get better facilities in our village, then the children will go a long way. If we get stadiums and ranges, then the children can achieve success,” Bhaker said in Jhajjar on Sunday.
In response to this call for development, Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda has made a significant commitment to support Goria village. “We will build stadiums, and we will build an international-level shooting range for our children. If we can build our government, we will do it,” Hooda said.
He also announced a contribution of Rs 25 lakhs from his ‘Saansad quota’ for the village’s development and an additional Rs 1 lakh from his personal funds. “I will contribute Rs 25 lakhs from my ‘Sansaad quota’ for the village’s development and an additional Rs 1 lakh from my personal funds,” he said.
The 22-year-old expressed her joy upon returning to her hometown after a long time. “It is a good feeling and I am very happy. I have come back after a long time. I am very happy to be here…” she said.
Earlier at the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker scripted history when she became the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics. Bhaker and her partner Sarabjot Singh secured bronze in the 10 M Air Pistol Mixed team event. The duo of Manu and Sarabjot defeated South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in the bronze medal play-off match. Both Manu and Sarabjot shot consistently with regular 10s in the series against the South Koreans to claim India’s second medal.
(with ANI inputs)