Manu Bhaker responds to romance rumours with Neeraj Chopra, but the interview faces criticism for 'creepy' questions

Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra have been making headlines lately, not just for their impressive medal wins at the 2024 Olympics. After the games, videos of their conversations, including one where Chopra chats with Bhaker's mother, sparked romance rumours. Now, Bhaker is setting the record straight in an interview, sharing her thoughts on the speculation.

10+ years of wokeness but we haven¡¯t advanced an inch ?

Manu bhaker in every interview looks like she¡¯s about to barf

pic.twitter.com/duoN13ZVv2

¡ª Rohit Raina (@RohittRaina) August 17, 2024

Aiming to clear the air, journalist Rohan Dua asked Bhaker: "Your photos went viral with that of Neeraj¡­I am not sure if you look at it as a compliment, but of course you are one of the most attractive females, beautiful females in India's history of Olympics. Was there some sort of chemistry or would you like to snub it as some sort of moment that someone clicked?"

Bhaker said, "No, no, we go back to the year 2018. We've been meeting in some events or some competitions. So 2019 we did a shoot together. So I think it¡¯s like we just talked whenever we meet."

She added, "He's one of the best athletes we have in the country so for me we talk about experiences, how the match was, everything like this."

Dua pressed, "Nothing beyond that? (he) was resting the hand on your mother's head as well?"

Bhaker explained, "No, so my mother is also very attached to the athletes. Since she saw my journey, she's been watching everyone closely so she takes everyone like her own child. So after a long time she met him [Neeraj Chopra]."

While the rumour has been finally put to rest, the comments have been flooded with criticism of Dua's journalistic approach, with many finding his questioning distasteful.

Here's a look at some of the reactions from people:

Manu Bhaker came back after winning a double bronze for India at the #Paris2024 Olympics at 22.

But the reporter can't get over how beautiful and attractive she is.

This is the level of Indian Journalism.

What a shame. pic.twitter.com/TZuhvN1zjO

¡ª Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) August 16, 2024

Two medals at the Olympics? Sure.

Rohan Dua, meanwhile: "You are one of the most attractive females - beautiful females - in India's history of Olympics." pic.twitter.com/UWZ7va65kF

¡ª Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) August 16, 2024

'Serious journalist' Rohan Dua is also seriously creepy. Here he calls Manu Bhaker "one of the most attractive and beautiful females in India's history of Olympics" (whatever that means) while asking about Neeraj Chopra (also inappropriate)

How's he gonna blame Zubair for this? pic.twitter.com/IDrrt87bBm

¡ª Shinjinee Majumder (@shinjineemjmdr) August 16, 2024

Check out the full video here:

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