‘There is no truth...’ - Manu Bhaker rubbishes rumours of ‘potential relationship’ with Neeraj Chopra

Ace Indian shooter and two-time Paris Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker broke her silence on the rumours of a ‘potential relationship’ with compatriot and javelin hero Neeraj Chopra. Days after both made the country proud with their medal-winning feats at the 2024 Summer Games, two videos of Manu and her mother talking to Neeraj surfaced on social media, with fans speculating that something is cooking between the star athletes.  

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Speaking to News18 during an exclusive chat, the interviewer asked her about the same rumour, to which she replied there is no truth to it.

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“I don’t know much about it. I was not there when this happened. But since 2018, we have been meeting on the sidelines of events. We don’t have that much interaction otherwise. During events, we talk a little. But there is no truth to the rumours that are going around," Manu Bhaker said during an interview. 

Earlier, Manu’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, also rubbished these reports, saying Manu is ‘still very young and that the family is not thinking about her ‘marriage’ now.

Manu's rise to the top

Following Manu's record-breaking feat at the Paris Games 2024, where she became the first Indian female shooter to grab an Olympic medal (two in total) and the first Indian athlete – male or female, to win two medals in a single edition, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed her as one of the two flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony 2024.

While Manu won her first Olympic bronze medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, she claimed her second alongside shooter Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. 

Besides, Neeraj, who also won an Olympic medal in Paris – silver this time – his second after his gold in Tokyo, was earlier touted to be Manu’s partner at the Closing Ceremony; however, the IOA decided to name the outgoing men’s hockey legend, PR Sreejesh, as the other flag bearer. 

(With inputs from agencies)