Paris Olympics: 22-Year-Old Manu Bhaker Makes History as First Indian Woman to Win Olympic Shooting Medal, Overcoming Tokyo Disappointment with Redemption in Paris on July 28.
Manu Bhaker made history by winning an Olympic Bronze medal in Paris on Sunday, July 28. The 22-year-old from Haryana became the first Indian female shooter to secure a medal at the Games, achieving third place in the women’s 10m air pistol final at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in Paris. After facing multiple setbacks in Tokyo three years ago, Bhaker, one of India’s most celebrated and talented shooters, finally fulfilled her dream, bringing glory to the nation.
Bhaker’s achievement opened India’s medal account at the Paris Olympics, ending a 12-year wait for a shooting medal. She joined the ranks of Indian shooting legends like Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang as the fifth shooter from the country to win an Olympic medal in the sport.
Starting the final with confidence, Bhaker managed to smile at the TV cameras when her name was called out, much to the delight of the Indian fans. Her consistency was evident as she remained in the top three throughout the eight-woman final. Korea’s Oh Ye Jin won Gold with a total of 243.2, setting a new Olympic record, while Kim Yeji took Silver with a score of 241.3.
In the final elimination round, Bhaker and Kim Yeji were vying for the second spot. Bhaker displayed incredible determination, shooting 10.1 and 10.3 in her last two shots. Despite Kim’s lower scores of 9.7 and 9.8, she still finished ahead of Bhaker.
Courtesy: Olympics
Bhaker began the final strongly, shooting 50.4 in the first series of five shots, scoring above 10 three times. She continued her form in the second series, bringing her total to 100.3 and maintaining her position in the top three throughout the competition.
Overcoming the haunting memories of the Tokyo Olympics, where she failed to qualify for the final in any of the three events she competed in, Bhaker demonstrated remarkable resilience. She even contemplated quitting shooting last year before rediscovering her passion for the sport. Her form leading up to the Games and the experiences of past highs and lows shaped her into a determined competitor.
Bhaker finished third in the qualification round, showcasing her ability to handle pressure better in Paris. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, remained calm and confident about her prospects. Speaking to India Today earlier in the day, he expressed his faith in her ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
In her maiden Olympic Games in Tokyo, Bhaker competed in the 10m air pistol, the 25m pistol, and the mixed team 10m pistol events. A pistol malfunction during the qualification event of the 10m air pistol caused her to lose six crucial minutes, affecting her concentration and resulting in a disappointing finish. Despite being one of India’s top medal prospects, she returned home empty-handed. This time, however, Bhaker’s perseverance and dedication paid off, culminating in a historic achievement.
