India’s star shooter Manu Bhaker clinched India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol final. With this victory, she etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Summer Olympic Games.
Breaking a 13-Year Drought
Bhaker’s triumph ended India’s 13-year wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics. The last time India stood on the shooting podium was at the 2012 London Olympics, where rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang both secured bronze medals. Indian shooting had since endured two Olympics without a medal, but the 22-year-old Bhaker fought hard to earn the bronze with a score of 221.7.
The Final Showdown
In a thrilling final, Korea’s Kim Yeji claimed silver with a total of 241.3, while her compatriot Jin Ye Oh snared the gold with a Games record of 243.2. Despite the stiff competition, Bhaker’s resilience and determination shone through, securing her a place on the podium.
A Grandmother’s Pride
Reacting to Bhaker’s achievement, her grandmother expressed immense pride and joy: “I bless her. She has done a great job. We will all welcome her once she is here. I will prepare special food for her…” Bhaker’s journey to this moment was fueled by a desire for redemption after a heartbreaking experience at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where a pistol malfunction during qualifications left her in tears.
A Historic Achievement
Bhaker’s bronze medal marks a historic moment for Indian shooting. She became the first Indian woman shooter in two decades to reach an Olympic final in an individual event, a feat last achieved by Suma Shirur in the 10m Air Rifle event at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Additionally, she made history as the first Indian woman to advance to the final round of the 10m Air Pistol event at any Olympic Games.
The Girl from Haryana: Manu Bhaker’s Journey
Born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, Manu Bhaker discovered her passion for shooting after experimenting with boxing, tennis, and skating. Her breakthrough on the world scene came in 2017, and since then, she has become well-known for her extraordinary pistol shooting abilities.
A String of Accomplishments
Bhaker’s big break came at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where she became the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol competition. She continued her winning streak at the ISSF World Cup competitions, earning numerous medals, including gold in both mixed and individual team events. At just 16 years old, Bhaker won gold at the 2018 ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, marking her first significant triumph.
Her success continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the Asian Games in Jakarta, where she, alongside Abhishek Verma, won gold in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event. In recognition of her achievements, Bhaker was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2020.
A Bright Future Ahead
Manu Bhaker’s journey is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. Her historic bronze at the Paris Olympics 2024 not only brings pride to India but also sets the stage for an even brighter future in the world of shooting. As she continues to aim for greater heights, Bhaker’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire countless young athletes across the nation.