Manu Bhaker, the ace shooter who secured two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has revealed her wish to spend time with several prominent sports figures. In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, following her return to India, Bhaker shared her admiration for several sports stars but notably did not mention Neeraj Chopra, the renowned javelin thrower.

Bhaker’s omission of Chopra's name comes amidst speculation about their relationship. The two athletes were seen together at a post-Olympics event, and a video of their interaction quickly went viral, sparking rumours of a possible romantic link between them.

When asked which sportspersons she would like to spend a day with, Bhaker named cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, as well as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. "Maybe I'll name a few of my favourites. Usain Bolt is one of them—I’ve read his book so many times and am well-acquainted with his journey through his interviews. And then, in India, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni sir, and Virat Kohli. It would be an honour to spend even an hour with any of them!" Bhaker said.

Despite her success as a shooter, Bhaker has always been passionate about a variety of sports. She expressed her desire to see India achieve even greater success on the global stage, particularly in the Olympics. "Being a sportsperson, I want to contribute significantly to sports in India and see the country win as many medals as possible. I aim to support and share my knowledge and experience with upcoming athletes," she added.

Bhaker also addressed societal challenges, particularly regarding women in sports. She advocated for changes in societal attitudes and emphasised the role of family support in empowering female athletes. "I look forward to seeing a few changes in society. I think parents will have to take this initiative and encourage their girls and protect them, which will help them become stronger and more confident. Firstly, the household of a woman, her parents, and the people she's surrounded by matter the most. I think it starts there. Education also plays a very important role. We need to improve in all of these matters," she concluded.