The tattoo that keeps Manu Bhaker rising and why she got it inked at the back of her neck
Manu Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympic Games since independence, also carries a tattoo that reads "Still I Rise." Interestingly, she discovered this phrase on Pinterest following her disappointing pistol malfunction at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
In an interview with the Times of India, Manu revealed, «I don't know whose words these are, but now they are mine.» This phrase is inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem, «Still I Rise,». The lines, «You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies, you may tread me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I’ll rise,» have been a beacon of hope and strength for countless individuals worldwide.
After Tokyo, where Manu faced harsh criticism and even lost her spot in the national squad for the 10m air pistol event, Manu felt the need for a constant reminder to stay resilient. In January 2022, she decided to get the words «Still I Rise» inked on the back of her neck—a place where the tattoo would be symbolic.
Manu in an interview with News Drum revealed that she chose this location because she didn’t want the tattoo to be in a visible area, fearing that seeing it too often might cause her to outgrow its significance. Instead, she wanted it to be a private source of strength, hidden but always there, fueling her determination.
“Success and failure are part and parcel of a sportsperson's life,” Manu said. “But the most important thing is how you deal with the downfall and prepare yourself to bounce back.” This
