Manu Bhaker Handles Unexpected Question with Poise at NRAI Event
Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker showcased her calmness yet again, this time not just on the shooting range. While she received praise for her achievements, social media users criticized a reporter who veered off course to ask her about a rising cricket star.
This situation unfolded during a recent event in New Delhi, which celebrated 75 years of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). The gathering honored India’s distinguished shooting community, focusing on its rich history, including Bhaker’s remarkable two-medal success at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when a reporter unexpectedly asked Bhaker about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricketer making headlines in the IPL. Sooryavanshi recently became the youngest player to score 1,000 runs in T20 cricket, attracting lots of media attention since his debut.
“She is an OLYMPIC MEDALIST!”
Fans quickly took to social media, voicing their frustration regarding the reporter’s question. Many felt that the Indian media tends to prioritize cricket, even during events meant to spotlight Olympians. Sports broadcaster Joy Bhattacharjya expressed his disappointment on X, stating, “To ask her what she thinks of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is unfair. Cricket is already celebrated enough; let’s focus on another sport for a change.”
Another user remarked, “Her two Olympic medals are worth far more than the entire IPL!”
Despite the abrupt change in topic, Bhaker maintained her composed demeanor, responding thoughtfully to the question about the young cricketer. She emphasized the importance of good mentorship and support for young talents, saying, “If he has the right guidance, then age doesn’t matter. Talent can shine at any age.”
Her response, which focused on the overall journey of athletes rather than specifics in cricket, was praised for its maturity and professionalism.
This incident has reignited discussions about the “shadow of cricket” that looms over other sports in India. While there has been increased funding for various Olympic sports, critics argue that the media still remains heavily skewed towards cricket.
The New Delhi event was a much-needed celebration for shooting, a sport that has consistently brought glory to India at the Olympics. For many, the reporter’s question served as a reminder of the challenges Olympic athletes face in gaining the spotlight they deserve.
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