Manu Bhaker’s school revels in glory

Ravinder Saini

Jhajjar, July 30

The mood has been nothing less than festive at Universal Public School in Manu Bhaker’s native Goriya village, where she studied and charted a course in shooting.

The big screen, put up on the school premises, brought to life the collective dream of the obscure village and its residents. Students, teachers, Manu’s family and villagers came together to watch the event live. Every shot fired by Manu and her teammate Sarabjot Singh drew a thunderous applause from the crowd and excited children.

After the duo clinched the second medal, the children mirthfully threw colours at one another, while the ‘first family’ distributed sweets. All eyes were on Manu’s grandmother Daya Kaur, who broke into an impromptu dance. “I will distribute desi ghee laddoos when she returns home. She has done what no one has ever done before!” she exclaimed.

“We were confident that she would win another medal in the Olympics as she had toiled and was in good form. We are hoping for a hat-trick. This time, she will win the gold for the country,” said her uncle Mahender.

The back-to-back medals have raised their hopes. “We are eagerly awaiting the next event. She will change the medal’s colour in this event,” said Manu’s aunt Nirmala, who believes it will be another record-breaking performance.

Manu’s father Ram Kishan Bhaker, who lives in Faridabad, thanked “the countrymen for giving their love and blessings to Manu and also helping her in tough times”. “This is big news for the whole country,” he said with unmistakable pride. Her mother Sumedha thanked coach Jaspal Rana for guiding Manu. For the youngsters, Manu has emerged as an icon. “Manu has not only become an inspiration for students, but also for those wanting to make a future in sports,” said Suresh, a coach at the school.