Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker has been praised for her composed response.
After a question linking her to teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sparked an online debate over media priorities at a recent sporting event in New Delhi.
The interaction took place during an event organised to mark 75 years of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), where India’s shooting fraternity gathered to celebrate the sport’s history and achievements, including Bhaker’s double medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
During the media interaction, a journalist shifted the focus away from shooting and asked Bhaker for her views on Sooryavanshi, who has recently gained attention in domestic cricket for his rapid rise and standout performances at a young age.
The question prompted discussion on social media, with several users questioning the relevance of cricket-related queries at an event dedicated to Olympic shooters. Some commentators also pointed to the broader issue of cricket’s dominance in Indian sports coverage, arguing that athletes from other disciplines often struggle to receive equal attention.
Despite the unexpected direction of the question, Bhaker responded calmly, speaking about the importance of mentorship, guidance, and a strong support system for young athletes. She emphasised that talent can emerge at any age and flourish with the right environment.
Her remarks were widely appreciated online, with many users praising her poise and professionalism in handling an off-topic question.
The incident has reignited discussion about media focus in Indian sport, particularly the imbalance between coverage of cricket and Olympic disciplines, even at events specifically organised to honour achievements in non-cricket sports.
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