Manu Bhaker’s native village erupts in joy

CHANDIGARH:Celebrations broke out at the native village Goria of Manu Bhaker in Jhajjar district after she won the women’s 10m air pistol gold medal at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Gold Coast on Sunday.

“Winning gold medal in Commonwealth Games is a great achievement. We are very proud of her. I cannot express my happiness in words,” said her father Ramkishen Bhaker, who was busy handling the guests and receiving congratulatory telephone calls since morning.

The 16-year-old Class-11 student grabbed the women’s 10m air pistol gold medal while Heena Sidhu staged a stirring comeback to bag silver at the 21st Commonwealth Games.

“Sweets were distributed in the village after we got the news of her winning the gold medal,” he said.

“She has filled the youngsters of her age with enthusiasm who now want to emulate her,” Ramkishen said.

Manu had won multiple gold medals at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico and the subsequent Junior World Cup in Sydney. The event in Mexico was also a maiden appearance for the young girl.

Ramkishen, who is an engineer, said that he has always encouraged his two children to follow their dreams.

Manu’s mother too is proud of her daughter and she says she is planning to cook some of her favourite dishes when the shooter returns to home on April 16.

KHATTAR LAUDS SHOOTING SENSATION

Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated Manu Bhaker for her achievement.

“Manu Bhaker produced a stunning performance. I congratulate her for winning the gold and bringing glory to the state and the country. We are proud of our daughter,” Khattar said.