Manu Bhaker Joins IIM Rohtak: A New Academic Journey in Sports Management
Olympic and World Cup medalist shooter Manu Bhaker has embarked on a significant new chapter in her life by enrolling at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak. She has opted for a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management, a decision that reflects her ambition to expand her career beyond the shooting range and into the business side of sports.
Background and Education
Manu Bhaker hails from Goria village in the Jhajjar district of Haryana. Her educational journey began at the Universal School, which is managed by her uncle. She later pursued her graduation in Political Science from Delhi University and obtained a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Punjab University, Chandigarh. This diverse academic background complements her impressive sporting achievements.
Sporting Achievements
Manu has made her mark in the world of shooting, winning double bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her dedication and talent were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu on January 17, 2025. Currently, she is preparing for the Shooting World Cup, which is set to be hosted in India in 2027-28.
Family Support and Decision-Making
Manu’s family has been a strong pillar of support throughout her educational and sporting endeavors. Her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, expressed pride in Manu’s determination to pursue her education alongside her sporting career. He stated, “Manu has always been determined to complete her education. She never left her studies, along with sports. It’s a good thing that Manu has chosen the Sports Management Business Course for further studies.”
Ramkishan emphasized that the family has always respected Manu’s choices regarding her education. He noted her decision to attend LSR College at Delhi University, a women’s college, was made to avoid any potential issues. He added that Manu chose her master’s degree in Public Administration on her own as well.
Mother’s Perspective
Manu’s mother, Sumedha Bhaker, also shared her thoughts on her daughter’s journey. She remarked, “May God give such a daughter to everyone. Today, the daughter has made the country proud. We never put any kind of pressure on Manu, and she has always chosen the right path.” Currently, Sumedha noted that Manu is focusing on her practice while continuing her education in sports management.
Brother’s Insights
Manu’s brother, Akhil Bhakar, who is pursuing law studies at Delhi University, provided additional context about Manu’s decision to join IIM Rohtak. He mentioned that Manu thoroughly researched various universities across the country before deciding on Rohtak. “Manu chose IIM Rohtak only after gathering information from universities across the country for this course. Apart from Rohtak, information about this course was not available anywhere else,” he explained.
Preparation for Upcoming Competitions
As Manu balances her academic pursuits with her training, she is gearing up for the upcoming Shooting World Cup scheduled to take place in New Delhi. The ISSF World Cup and Junior Shooting World Championship will be held in 2027-28, featuring competitions in rifle, pistol, and shotgun events.
Admission Process at IIM Rohtak
Manu’s journey to IIM Rohtak began when she applied for admission on November 2. Following her application, she participated in a test and interview on November 16. The selection process included questions on sports aptitude, verbal and quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning. She successfully completed the admission process on December 1, marking her entry into the seventh batch of the Sports Management program at IIM Rohtak.
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s decision to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management at IIM Rohtak is a testament to her commitment to both her sport and her education. With the support of her family and a clear vision for her future, she is poised to make significant contributions to the sports industry beyond her achievements as an athlete.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on recent developments and statements from Manu Bhaker and her family as of October 2023.
