Manu Bhaker has made history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana, becomes the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting.
On July 27, Bhaker qualified for the final with a score of 580 points, placing third out of 45 competitors. In the final, she maintained her form and secured the bronze with a score of 221.7.
Korea’s Kim Yeji took silver with 241.3, and Jin Ye Oh claimed gold with a Games record of 243.2.
This victory adds to India’s shooting legacy, following previous medalists Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (silver, Athens 2004), Abhinav Bindra (gold, Beijing 2008), Gagan Narang (bronze, London 2012), and Vijay Kumar (silver, London 2012).
Bhaker’s triumph comes after a challenging period, including a disappointing campaign at Tokyo where her pistol malfunctioned.
Reflecting on her journey, Bhaker expressed immense gratitude, “After Tokyo, I was very disappointed and it took me a long time to overcome that. I read the Bhagwat Gita and tried to do what I am supposed to do, leaving everything else to God.”
Her mental toughness, developed with the help of her coach Jaspal Rana, played a crucial role. “India deserves many more medals. The feeling is surreal, and it takes a lot of effort. I fought with all the energy I had in the final shot. Maybe I can get better in the next event.”
Bhaker also thanked her supporters, sponsors, and coach, acknowledging their role in her success. “Thank you so much for sticking by me. This medal is for them. I am standing here strong because of their support,” she added.
India last won an Olympic medal in shooting in 2012, and Bhaker’s bronze ends a 12-year wait, opening the country’s account in the Paris Games.
