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Manu Bhaker, double Olympic medallist, reacts to paper leak protests: ‘Not about promoting or opposing political party’

Manu Bhaker reacts to protests over exam paper leak. Here's what she said.

Updated on: Jul 18, 2026, 16:19:34 IST
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Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker has come out in the open to voice her concern over the difficulties faced by students protesting against alleged examination paper leaks, stating that every child deserves equal opportunities in education and safety. Sharing her views on X (formerly Twitter), the 24-year-old said the issue extends far beyond political debates and should instead be treated as a matter of accountability and responsibility.

Manu Bhaker reacts to protests over exam paper leak. (HT_PRINT)
Manu Bhaker reacts to protests over exam paper leak. (HT_PRINT)

She also stressed that the students' future must remain the top priority and called for stronger measures to ensure the integrity of the education system. Bhaker's remarks come amid ongoing protests over alleged examination paper leaks, with students demanding transparency and accountability.

The Olympian expressed deep sympathy for students affected by the controversy, saying it was heartbreaking to witness their distress. According to Bhaker, young people should not have to endure uncertainty or injustice while pursuing their academic goals. She also underscored that access to quality education and a secure environment is a basic right that every student should enjoy.

Also Read: I am my own competition, says pistol ace Manu Bhaker

“This is not about promoting or opposing any political party. It is about speaking up for what truly matters—education, the environment, safety, and accountability,” she added.

‘Immense pride’

Bhaker also urged people not to view the matter through a political lens, arguing that students' concerns deserve attention regardless of political affiliation. She maintained that the focus should remain on protecting the aspirations and well-being of the country's youth rather than allowing the issue to become a subject of partisan debate.

“These issues affect every one of us, regardless of our beliefs. I take immense pride in representing my country. That is why it is deeply heartbreaking to see the students suffer like this. We owe them more. We owe every child a future where they can learn, grow, and dream without fear,” Bhaker wrote.

Bhaker's message has added a prominent sporting voice to the conversation, highlighting the need for collective efforts to safeguard students' interests and restore confidence in the examination process.

On Saturday, Indian activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. He has been on a hunger strike for the past 20 days. The 59-year-old had been protesting alongside the online satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The CJP started in May as an online movement to protest against paper leaks. They have been protesting for a month now, and some members of student organisations have also joined Wangchuk in his fast.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vishesh Roy

Vishesh Roy is a sports journalist with a strong focus on cricket. He began his career at Asian News International (ANI), where he covered a range of high-profile events, including the India Open, Legends Cricket League, the England–India Test series in Ahmedabad in 2021, and the inauguration of the Narendra Modi Stadium. During his tenure at ANI, he also reported extensively on domestic cricket, covering several Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy matches across the country. While cricket remains his primary beat, Vishesh has also reported on tennis, football and WWE. After a stint of over three years at ANI, Vishesh moved to NDTV, where he gained hands-on experience in digital-first journalism, with a particular emphasis on live blogs and real-time news reporting. He joined Hindustan Times in October 2024 and quickly established himself with a series of exclusive interviews and source-driven stories. Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Hindustan Times was the first to report that the two-day event would be held in Saudi Arabia. In the early months of his tenure, Vishesh secured interviews with leading cricketers, including Pat Cummins, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rashid Latif. He has also closely tracked the rise of emerging talents such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya by speaking to their current and childhood coaches. His background in on-field reporting has helped Hindustan Times Digital break exclusive stories on major developments, including Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji and Vijay Hazare Trophy, IPL scheduling, and the T20 World Cup controversy involving Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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