Manu Bhaker’s musical tribute: Watch Olympic medalist play national anthem on violin for Independence Day

In a video shared on her social media handles, the Paris 2024 bronze medalist swapped her pistol for a violin, delivering a soulful rendition of the national anthem. The performance was more than just music — it was an emotional reflection of her journey as an athlete who has proudly represented the tricolor on the global stage.

In her heartfelt note accompanying the video, Bhaker expressed the deep emotional connection she feels to the national anthem — a tune she has always dreamed of hearing from the Olympic podium. Her tribute struck a chord with fans, who admired the precision of her music as a reflection of the discipline she shows in shooting.

In her post, she wrote: "An attempt to play the tune that is closest to my heart this Independence Day. Each time I represent India, I wish to stand on the podium and listen to this. Generally, we sit and play the violin, but this time, subconsciously, we stood up while playing the National Anthem. It's the admiration for our nation that cannot be put into words. Jai Hind!"

The gesture comes on the heels of her historic achievements at the Paris Olympics. Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, claiming bronze in the 10m air pistol event. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event — India’s first-ever Olympic medal in a shooting team competition.

While she narrowly missed a third medal in the 25m pistol event, her performances have been hailed as some of the most inspiring of the Games. And now, with her Independence Day tribute, Bhaker has shown that her patriotism shines both on and off the sporting arena.