Fans Slam Media for Asking Manu Bhakar About Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

At the NRAI’s 75th anniversary celebration on April 27, Olympic champion Manu Bhakar spoke passionately about how the federation has supported Indian shooters in their preparation journey. However, the conversation outside the venue took an unexpected turn when journalists asked her about Rajasthan Royals teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Bhakar responded gracefully, saying “age is just a number” and praising his potential — but fans were far from pleased.

Fans Question Journalism Standards

Social media erupted with criticism directed at the media, with fans calling the questioning “rubbish” and urging journalists to “sudhar jao” (reform yourselves). Many pointed out the glaring double standard: would a top male cricketer ever be asked to comment on a budding athlete from another sport? The incident drew instant comparisons to Mithali Raj’s iconic 2017 question — “Do you ask the same to a male cricketer?” — proving that little has changed in nearly a decade.

Bhakar’s Achievements Deserve the Spotlight

Manu Bhakar, at just 22, is one of India’s most decorated athletes. She made history at Paris 2024 by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. She is also the youngest Indian to win ISSF World Cup gold at 16 and the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal. With the Asian Games 2028 on the horizon, her focus and preparation deserve every column inch of media attention.

Cricket may be India’s religion, but athletes like Bhakar are writing history — and they deserve questions worthy of their achievements.