Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Felicitates Double Olympic Medalist Manu Bhaker, Acknowledges Her Seafarer Heritage
Desk Report, August 17, 2024: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, honored double Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker in a ceremony recognizing her remarkable achievements at the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker, the daughter of a seasoned seafarer, was felicitated with a traditional ‘Phoolam Gamusa,’ a model ship, and a cheque of ₹10 lakhs from the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The event also saw the felicitation of Bhaker’s parents, Sumedha Bhaker and Ram Kishan Bhaker, the latter being a Chief Engineer on a merchant navy ship.
During the ceremony, Sonowal praised Bhaker’s perseverance and dedication, highlighting how her achievements have inspired not just the nation but also the next generation, particularly young seafarers. He remarked, “Manu Bhaker represents the undying spirit of India’s youth, aspiring for greatness and achieving it through relentless effort. Her words of inspiration will undoubtedly motivate our young seafarers to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.”
Manu Bhaker, reflecting on her journey, emphasized the influence of her upbringing in a seafarer’s family. She shared fond memories of her childhood, sailing on ships with her family, which enriched her with diverse experiences and reinforced the values of discipline, dedication, and focus. Bhaker encouraged the young seafarers in attendance to push beyond limits, saying, “Go big, then go home. It’s about giving your all, knowing that the journey itself is as important as the destination.”
Sonowal also lauded the Modi government’s initiatives to foster a culture of excellence in sports, emphasizing the unwavering commitment to supporting athletes and maritime professionals alike. He expressed confidence that Bhaker’s continued dedication and hard work would lead to further accolades for the nation.
The event was attended by prominent figures including TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW); R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW; and Vijay Kumar, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), among others.
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Ace Shooter Manu Bhaker created history in the Paris Olympics by becoming the 1st Indian woman to win two medals in a single Olympics. She has brought glory to India and is a source of inspiration for millions. @realmanubhaker hails from a seafaring family, and her achievements… pic.twitter.com/4UOOFaNo6B
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 16, 2024
