Is Manu Bhaker's pistol really worth over Rs 1 crore? Olympic medalist clears air

Manu Bhaker has become India’s latest sports sensation. She made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Since her outstanding performance, the 22-year-old shooter has been in the spotlight, capturing the attention of sports fans and media across the country.

While Manu’s achievements have been widely celebrated, some rumors have started to circulate about the cost of her pistol. Many reports suggested that her pistol is worth crores of rupees.

Recently, Manu addressed these claims in an interview with the YouTube channel Sports Next, setting the record straight.

“Crore?” she said, sounding surprised.

“No, it’s a one-time investment of about Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.85 lakh. The price depends on several factors, like the model, whether it’s new or second-hand, or if it’s customised. Once you reach a certain level, companies often provide the pistols for free,” she explained.

Historic win in Paris

Manu Bhaker’s journey reached new heights at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She won two bronze medals; one in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event and another in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event. These achievements have not only added to India’s Olympic medal count but also made Manu one of the country's most celebrated young athletes.