Paris, July 29: Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by ending India’s 12-year-long wait for an Olympic medal in shooting. The 22-year-old sharpshooter claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024, marking a significant achievement for the nation.Bhaker, one of India’s most promising medal contenders, delivered on expectations with a stellar performance that earned her the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. Her victory is particularly momentous as it comes after a drought of shooting medals for India in the last two Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
On the second day of the Paris Olympics, Bhaker’s performance was eagerly anticipated. Despite stiff competition, she rose to the occasion, finishing the final with a score of 221.7. This triumph followed her impressive fourth-place finish in the qualification round, which set the stage for her bronze medal win.
Bhaker’s win was a highlight for India amid other strong performances by athletes like PV Sindhu, Sreeja Akula, and Nikhat Zareen. Yet, it was her moment of glory that brought the Indian flag to the podium. This victory also served as a redemption story for Bhaker, who faced heartbreak in Tokyo when a gun malfunction prevented her from reaching the finals.
Hailing from Haryana, a state known for its combat sports champions, Bhaker’s entry into the world of shooting was unconventional yet impactful. Initially involved in diverse sports such as tennis, skating, and the martial art of thang ta, where she achieved national recognition, it was the allure of the Olympics that ultimately drew her to shooting.
At the age of fourteen, inspired by the Rio Olympics, Bhaker persuaded her father to buy her a pistol, marking the beginning of her shooting career. Her rapid ascent in the sport was evident when she triumphed over seasoned Olympian Heena Sidhu at the national championships, an achievement that announced her arrival on the shooting scene.
Bhaker quickly gained international acclaim, winning medals at the Asian Junior Championships and nearly securing a podium finish at the Asian Games. Her golden moment came at the Youth Olympics, where she became the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal, propelling her to national fame.
Under the mentorship of veteran marksman Jaspal Rana, Bhaker continued to excel, securing her spot in the Indian shooting squad for the Tokyo Olympics through outstanding performances at the Olympic Selection Trials.
In Paris, Bhaker’s journey to the bronze medal was marked by intense competition and high stakes. In the final rounds, she demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, nearly clinching a silver. Positioned third with five rounds remaining, she briefly overtook South Korea’s Kim Yegi with a superb 10.3 shot, gaining a narrow 0.1 lead. However, the final shot saw Yegi reclaim second place with a 10.5 shot, while Bhaker’s 10.3 secured her the bronze. The gold medal went to South Korea’s Oh Ye Jin, who set an Olympic record with a score of 243.2.
Manu Bhaker’s historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to her resilience, skill, and determination. Her journey from a multi-sport athlete to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across India. With this remarkable achievement, Bhaker has not only ended India’s wait for a shooting medal but has also set the stage for future successes in the sport.