January 19, 2025: Tragedy struck the family of India’s Olympic shooting sensation, Manu Bhaker, as her maternal grandmother and maternal uncle lost their lives in a road accident on Sunday. The incident occurred on the Mahendragarh Bypass Road in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, following a collision between a scooter and a Brezza car.

According to the police, Bhaker's relatives were traveling on a two-wheeler when they were struck by the car. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is yet to be identified.

“We received information about a collision between a car and a scooter. Unfortunately, both individuals on the scooter succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the car was not present at the accident site,” said ASI Suresh Kumar.

This heartbreaking news comes shortly after Bhaker received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, recognizing her stellar achievements in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 22-year-old shooter made history during the summer games by becoming independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. She earned a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. Days later, Bhaker, alongside Sarabjot Singh, secured another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, marking India’s first shooting team medal.

The double Olympic medallist’s remarkable journey has been a source of pride for the nation, but this personal tragedy casts a shadow over her recent accolades. Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.