Bhaker, who hails from Goria village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, has pursued academics consistently alongside her sporting career. She completed her graduation in Political Science from Delhi University and later earned a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Panjab University. Her decision to pursue sports management, her family said, aligns with her long-term ambition to contribute to the sports ecosystem beyond competition.
The Tokyo and Paris Olympic medallist was recently honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Droupadi Murmu on January 17, 2025. Bhaker is currently preparing for the ISSF World Cup and the Junior Shooting World Championship, both of which India will host in New Delhi in 2027–28.
Her father, Ramkishan Bhaker, said she has always taken independent decisions regarding her education. “Manu never compromised her studies for sport. Choosing sports management is entirely her decision, and we have always supported her academic choices,” he said.
Her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, added that the family has never put pressure on her. “Manu has always chosen the right path on her own. She is managing her training and studies with complete dedication.”
Bhaker’s brother, Akhil, said she selected IIM Rohtak after evaluating similar programmes across the country. “She found this specialised course offered only in Rohtak after thorough research,” he said.
Bhaker applied to the institute on November 2, appeared for the test and interview on November 16, and secured admission after clearing assessments on sports aptitude, verbal and quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. She joins the seventh batch of the programme as she continues preparing for upcoming international competitions.
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