On Friday, August 30, Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar and double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker had a recent meeting. The 22-year-old shooter became the first Indian female Olympic medallist and brought pride to the entire country with her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
She became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in the same Olympic edition when she won a bronze in the 10-meter air pistol event and another bronze in the mixed team event with partner Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker posted about her encounter on social media, thrilled to have met her idol.
“Sachin Tendulkar, the one and only, sir! I consider myself fortunate to be in this unique occasion with the cricket legend! Like many of us, I was inspired to follow my aspirations by his path. “Many thanks, sir, for the priceless memories!,” she posted on Instagram.
Check out Manu Bhaker’s latest post here:
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One of my faves is Usain Bolt: Manu Bhaker
Following the encounter, Sachin Tendulkar was likewise gracious and delighted to meet the family of the emerging star. He said that young females look forward to Bhaker as an inspiration for reaching great heights. Remarkably, the Olympian had previously declared her wish to meet Indian athletes Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Tendulkar. She also expressed her respect for the legendary former Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt.
It was a true pleasure to meet you and your family, Manu. Young girls everywhere are now motivated to dream big and accomplish their goals by your success story. India is rooting for you to keep aiming for greatness and breaking records,” the former Indian cricket legend retorted.
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“I might mention a couple of my favourites. One of them is Usain Bolt; I’ve read his book numerous times, followed his trip, and seen a tonne of his interviews. Next, cricket players Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Dhoni sir (MS Dhoni) in India. Spending even an hour with any of them would be an honour,” she said, as cited by Cosmopolitan.