In a groundbreaking moment at the Paris Olympics, 22-year-old Manu Bhaker emerged as the first Indian woman to secure a shooting medal. The young shooter, who had faced heartbreak in Tokyo, claimed a historic bronze medal on Sunday, July 28, at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.
Manu Bhaker’s remarkable performance saw her clinch the third position in the women’s 10m air pistol final. This victory not only marked her personal redemption but also ended India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics. Bhaker now joins the elite company of Indian shooters like Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang who have previously won Olympic medals.
Starting the final with immense confidence, Manu’s name was announced, and she greeted the cameras with a smile, lifting the spirits of the Indian audience. Her consistent performance ensured she never dropped out of the top three throughout the eight-woman final. Korea’s Oh Ye Jin won the Gold with a new Olympic record of 243.2 points, while Kim Yeji took the Silver with a score of 241.3.
In the final elimination round, Manu Bhaker and Kim Yeji vied for the second spot. Manu demonstrated incredible resilience, shooting 10.1 and 10.3 in her last two shots. Despite Kim’s scores of 9.7 and 9.8, she managed to finish just ahead of Manu.
Manu Bhaker started strong, recording a score of 50.4 in the first series of five shots, with three of those shots exceeding 10 points. In the subsequent series, she brought her tally to 100.3, maintaining her position in the top three throughout the competition.
Reflecting on her journey, Manu Bhaker overcame the painful memories of the Tokyo Olympics, where she failed to qualify for the finals in any of the three events she competed in. At one point, Manu even contemplated quitting the sport, but she rediscovered her passion and form just in time for the Paris Games. The trials and tribulations she faced over the years molded her into the determined athlete who excelled in Paris.
Manu’s qualification performance also highlighted her ability to handle pressure, as she finished third. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, remained confident in her capabilities, a belief that was validated by her performance on the grandest stage of all.
During her maiden Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Manu competed in three events: the 10m air pistol, the 25m pistol, and the mixed team 10m pistol event. Unfortunately, a malfunction during the 10m air pistol qualification cost her precious minutes, affecting her concentration and ultimately her performance. Despite the setbacks, she returned stronger, showcasing her talent and determination in Paris.
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal at the Paris Olympics is a testament to her perseverance, skill, and indomitable spirit. This historic achievement not only adds a new chapter to India’s Olympic journey but also inspires future generations of athletes. As Manu Bhaker continues to aim higher, her journey is a reminder that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks.
Celebrate this historic achievement by sharing Manu Bhaker’s inspiring story. Follow us for more updates on the Paris Olympics and cheer for our athletes as they make India proud.
