Manu Bhaker Is India's Flag-Bearer At Youth Olympic Games

India’s teenage shooting prodigy Manu Bhaker was named on Monday as the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the 3rd Youth Olympic Games. The event is slated to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 6 to 18.

The news was announced by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra. Sixteen-year-old Bhaker will lead the Indian team in the opening ceremony.

“It is a great honour for me. I never expected to be the flag-bearer for the Indian contingent,” Bhaker told PTI

India is sending a contingent of 68 members, including 46 athletes, who will leave for Argentina on Tuesday to compete in 13 sports. “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the young athletes’ participation in the Youth Olympic Games. May the Indian flag fly high,” Batra said.

READ: Why Manu Bhaker Banned Her Parents From Asian Games

These past couple of months, Manu Bhaker has become a household name. She toiled her way through to hit the big targets at the ISSF Junior World Cup. She clinched the gold medal after knocking down Thailand’s Kanyakorn Hirunphoem in a thrilling final of the women’s 10m air pistol event in March, NDTV reported.

Manu secured India’s second individual gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup. She captured two gold medals — in individual and team events

She won two gold medals in the Women’s 10m Pistol and the 10m Pistol Mixed Team event in her maiden senior World Cup in Mexico this year. The new sensation in pistol shooting shot a glorious 235.9 to finish top of the podium, while Hirunphoem had to settle for silver after scoring 234.9. Chinese Kaiman Lu (214.2) finished with the bronze. The memorable win in Mexico has made Bhaker one of the youngest ever to win a senior World Cup Gold for India.

We wish the squad good luck!

Read More Stories By Ria Das