Shooting star Manu Bhaker aims for masters degree, says balance is possible

India's shooting sensation Manu Bhaker is once again proving she’s more than just an ace athlete. Recently, she shared a picture of herself outside an exam hall, clutching her paper board and exam essentials, reminding everyone that balancing sports and academics is totally doable. In a social media post, she expressed how education plays a big role in her life, and despite her shooting career, she’s chosen to pursue higher education. Her caption read, "Life is an education. Finding the right balance between sports and academics is very much possible."

Manu Bhake: The everywhere slayer

Manu continues to set an example for young people across the country by crushing it in both the fields. Coming from a family that values academics—her dad is a chief engineer, and her mom’s a school principal—she’s always had that academic drive. After graduating in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, she’s now working on her master’s degree in Public Administration.

In a chat with Prasar Bharati Sports Podcast, Manu highlighted her academic achievements. She not only aced her 10th-grade exams but also topped her major subjects in 12th grade, showing she’s as dedicated to her studies as she is to shooting.

Manu Bhaker: Beyond the shooting range

Earlier this year in July, at the Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker shone bright, bagging two bronze medals for India. She made history by winning India’s first medal of the Games in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event and followed it up by teaming with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event. This made her the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single Olympic edition!

But it’s not just her sports achievements that have everyone talking. Manu recently slayed at the Lakme Fashion Week in Delhi, turning heads as the showstopper for Marks & Spencer. At 22, she’s not only a national sports hero but also a rising youth style icon, making waves with her growing popularity since her Olympic triumphs.

And with pursuing her higher studies, she is out here proving that you don’t have to choose between books, bullets, or even the runway—you can have it all!