July 29, 2024: India’s medal tally at the Paris Olympics 2024 began on a high note on Sunday as Manu Bhaker clinched a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event. Bhaker’s achievement marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Indian markswoman to reach the Olympic podium, ending a 12-year drought for shooting medals at the Games.
The 22-year-old shooter’s stellar performance has not only brought pride to the nation but also placed her in contention for a second medal. Bhaker, who scored 221.7 points in the final, redeemed herself after a challenging Tokyo Olympics where a malfunctioning pistol derailed her campaign.
South Korea’s Ye Jin took the gold with an Olympic record of 243.2 points, while compatriot Kim Yeji earned silver with 241.3 points. Manu Bhaker’s impressive showing also came after she finished third in the qualification round, showcasing her consistent form throughout the competition.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Bhaker’s accomplishment on Monday, attributing her success to the robust ecosystem fostered by the Khelo India initiative. “Manu Bhaker is a testament to the support and infrastructure provided by Khelo India,” Mandaviya said.
Manu Bhaker – Winning the medal at Olympics 2024 is a dream come true
The Lok Sabha also recognized Manu Bhaker’s achievement on July 29, congratulating her for her historic win and extending best wishes to other Indian athletes competing in the Games.
Bhaker’s journey to the podium involved significant investment, with approximately ₹2 Crores allocated for her training. This included specialized coaching and international exposure in Germany and Switzerland, underscoring the level of support provided to her.
In addition to her Olympic success, Bhaker boasts an impressive collection of international medals, including golds from the World Championships and Khelo India Games. She previously made history by being the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach an Olympic shooting final since Suma Shirur in 2004.
Currently, Bhaker is also vying for a second medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Partnering with Sarabjot Singh, she will face South Korea’s Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho in the bronze-medal match on Tuesday after finishing with a combined score of 580.
India eagerly awaits Bhaker’s next performance as she continues to make history at the Paris Olympics 2024.
