Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhakar tells Anil Singhvi she is learning about investing in stocks and mutual funds 

Shooter Manu Bhakar turned head in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she clinched two bronze medals. She won those medals in the Women's 10m Air Pistol event and Mixed 10m Air Pistol. She talked to Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi, where they spoke on a number of topics. Singhvi asked her about her investment ideas and future plans.  

Manu said that she was expecting a medal at the Paris Olympics, but she didn't know how many of them she would win. She said that the whole time, she was focussing on playing well.

Shooting is a sport that requires a high level of concentration. Manu takes her career seriously, and to focus on the Olympics, she stayed away from social media for a long time. "I tried to give my best in competitions, she told Anil Singhvi, adding, "In shooting, mental stamina is also important along with physical stamina."

Interestingly, shooting was not her first love. It was boxing and martial arts. 

"I have been interested in boxing and martial arts since childhood. I did not know when I moved from boxing to shooting."

Does she invest? When inquired, she replied. "I am learning about investing in stocks and mutual funds. Young children are taught investing abroad. Fifteen-year-old children invest abroad. Airbnb's properties are being managed by 15-year-old children.

Bhakar says she follows Singhvi's tips for investing.

"Basic knowledge is necessary in any field. Discipline is very important if you do any work, she said.

Bhakar says her mother has played a key role in shaping her career. 

"My mother was very supportive in making my career. She bore all the pressure and let me focus on sports. If the women in the family are strong, then society will progress."
She says she will put in heart and soul during practice sessions with an aim to repeat the feat in the 2028 Olympics. 

She vows to use social media only when she becomes 'something'.

Was it just sports, or she wanted to pursue some professional educational course?

When asked, Bhakar replied, "If I had not done shooting, I would have probably become a doctor."

But what would have been her alternative career in sport had she not been a shooter?

"If I had to choose another sport, it would have been Karate."

Talking about habits, she said that like other girls, shopping is her favourite hobby.

"I am fond of fitness; I like a healthy diet."

Sharing her memories of sports events, Bhakar rates the Commonwealth Games and the Paris Olympics as her most memorable events.

About her other hobbies, she said, "I like slow music and motivational music.

"I like practicing shooting in the mountains. If you work hard honestly, you will definitely succeed."

She said she is living the dream of her life, but she sticks to her routine and stays focussed.

"What I am living is the dream life of many people. I do not change my decision easily. I have become used to living in discipline," she said.

Bhakar said that parents should let their children's dreams come true.

"Wherever you invest yourself, be the best there," she advised for youngsters.