Indian Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker has been in the news lately, attending multiple felicitation all over the country. However, on Friday, she ended up having a not so great experience at a similar event in Chennai.
The 22-year-old, along with her mother Sumedha Bhaker, walked out midway through the event after a journalist asked Mrs. Bhaker about star Olympian Neeraj Chopra.
Manu has become a star of the nation, following her exploits at the recent Paris Olympics 2024. The shooter won two bronze medals for India in Women's 10m Air Pistol and Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh.
As a part of the celebration of her success at the Summer Games, Manu has been doing rounds around the country, attending various events and signing multiple brand deals.
Manu chose to leave the event hall while attending an inauguration ceremony at a school in Chennai. Here is why.
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Why did Manu Bhaker leave the event in Chennai?
Manu and her mother chose to leave the event location in Chennai, after a controversial question.
As per media outlet Hindustan Times, Manu was asked about Vinesh Phogat's case dismissal at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile her mother, Sumedha, was asked about her conversation with the 26-year-old Neeraj Chopra at the Paris Olympics.
The conversation went viral towards the end of the Olympics with fans interpreting their camaraderie as a sign that both many end up tying the knot.
"What was your conversation with Neeraj (Chopra)?" the reporter asked Manu's mother, referring to the viral video of the duo from the Paris Olympics 2024.
Manu who has been at the receiving end of similar silly questions throughout her tour, ended up showing some emotion.
According to a report by Sportstar, this question was the tipping point for Manu, who chose to leave the event rather than address the personal query.
MORE: Has Neeraj Chopra ever thrown above 90m? India Javelin star's personal best detailed
Which event was Manu Bhaker attending in Chennai?
Manu was in Chennai to attend an event at the Velammal Nexus School earlier this week. On August 20, the Indian shooter was felicitated with a memento (a gun) by the school, as she inaugurated the launch of 'Velammal's vision for Olympic medal 2032'.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Olympian medalist shooter Manu Bhaker (@realmanubhaker) was felicitated during an event at #Chennai's Velammal Nexus School, earlier today.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/lUsmcOzixA
What did Manu Bhaker's parents say about her relationship with Neeraj Chopra?
Rumours alleging a relationship between Manu and Neeraj have recently sprung up, after her mother was seen exchanging words with the Javelin-thrower at the Paris Olympics 2024 sidelines. Dismissing the rumours, her parents have denied any ideas of the 22-year old's marriage plans. Her father Ram Kishan Bhaker specifically said that they are not looking to get Manu married currently.
"I am happy for her (Manu Bhaker). I am happy for the players. When I went to Paris, I met the Hockey team, Aman Sehrawat, Neeraj Chopra...I was very happy for all of them. I just hope all these athletes keep winning medals and all the mothers of this nation will be happy," he said.
Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now.
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