Haryana's Heroine: Manu Bhaker Wins Olympic Bronze, Ends 12-Year Drought
In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, India’s Manu Bhaker clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, ending a 12-year Olympic drought for Indian shooting. The young sharpshooter, who narrowly missed a podium finish at the Tokyo Games, showcased remarkable composure and precision to secure a place on the Olympic dais.
Bhaker’s journey to the medal stand was fraught with tension. With just one shot remaining in the final, she found herself in a neck-and-neck battle for the silver medal. Despite a commendable score of 10.3 in the final round, the South Korean shooter edged her out with a 10.5, relegating Bhaker to the bronze position. Nevertheless, her achievement is a landmark moment for Indian sports.
Beyond the medal, Bhaker’s victory holds historical significance. She etched her name in the annals of Indian shooting history as the first woman from the country to win an Olympic medal in the sport. Her triumph is expected to inspire countless young girls to pick up the gun and aim for the top.
The Haryana-born shooter credited her success to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which she claimed helped her maintain focus and composure under immense pressure. Her journey from a promising talent to an Olympic medalist is a testament to her dedication and unwavering belief in her abilities.
While the bronze medal is a remarkable feat, it’s just the beginning for Indian shooting. The sport has shown immense potential, and Bhaker’s success is likely to fuel a new wave of enthusiasm among aspiring shooters. As India looks forward to the remainder of the Paris Olympics, the nation is brimming with hope for more medals to come.
Previous Achievements:
Gold Medal in 25m Pistol Team at Asian Games (2022)
Gold Medal in 25m Pistol Team at World Championship, Baku (2023)
Quota place for Paris Games 2024 at Asian Shooting Championship, Changwon (2023)
Bronze Medal in 25m Pistol at World Cup, Bhopal (2023)
Silver Medal in 25m Pistol at World Championship, Cairo (2022)
Two Gold Medals in 10m Air pistol individual and women’s team event at World University Games, Chengdu (2021)