Sachin Tendulkar and Manu Bhaker. (Source – Manu Bhaker)
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar recently met with double-Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker on Friday, August 30. The 22-year-old shooter made the whole nation proud with her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal.
Her bronze in the 10-meter air pistol event was followed by another bronze in the mixed team event with partner Sarabjot Singh, making her the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in the same Olympic edition. Overwhelmed by the opportunity to meet her idol, Bhaker shared her meeting on social media.
“The one and only Sachin Tendulkar sir! Feeling blessed to share this special moment with the cricketing icon! His journey motivated me and many of us to chase our dreams. Thank you sir for unforgettable memories!,” she wrote on Instagram.
Check out Manu Bhaker’s latest post here:
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Usain Bolt is one of my favorites: Manu Bhaker
After the meeting, Sachin Tendulkar responded with equal kindness and was happy to meet the rising star’s family. He mentioned that Bhaker is an inspiration to young girls, who want to achieve huge heights. Notably, the Olympian had earlier expressed her desire to meet Indian sporting legends like Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni. She also stated her admiration for former Jamaican athlete and legend, Usain Bolt.
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“Meeting you and your family was truly special, Manu. Your success story is now a source of inspiration for young girls everywhere to dream big and achieve their targets. Keep striving for excellence and setting new benchmarks—India is cheering for you,” the former Indian cricket legend replied.
“Maybe I’ll name a few of my favorites. Usain Bolt is one of them – I’ve read his book so many times and I’ve known his journey as well as I’ve watched so many of his interviews too. And then, in India, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni sir (MS Dhoni), and Virat Kohli. It would be an honor to spend even an hour with any of them,” she told as quoted by Cosmopolitan.