Paris Olympics: Manu Bhaker Wins Bronze, Becomes First Indian Woman To Clinch Shooting Medal

Manu Bhaker made history by winning an Olympic Bronze medal in Paris on Sunday, July 28. The 22-year-old shooter from Haryana became the first Indian female to clinch a medal at the Olympics in shooting, securing third place in the women’s 10m air pistol final at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in Paris. After enduring a series of disappointments in Tokyo, one of India’s most celebrated and talented shooters achieved her dream, bringing immense pride to the nation.

Manu Bhaker Wins Bronze At Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker entered the final on Sunday brimming with confidence. As her name was announced at the shooting range, she flashed a smile to the TV cameras, delighting the Indian audience. Manu started strong, scoring 50.4 in the first series of 5 shots, hitting above 10 three times. In the second series, she brought her total to 100.3, maintaining a top 3 position throughout the competition.

 

Overcoming the haunting memories of the Tokyo Olympics, where she failed to qualify for the finals in any of the three events she participated in, Manu found redemption. She had even contemplated quitting shooting last year but rediscovered her passion for the sport. Her strong form leading up to the Games, coupled with her experiences of highs and lows, shaped her into a determined competitor on Sunday.

In the qualification round on Saturday, Manu finished third, demonstrating her experience and composure. Both she and her coach, Jaspal Rana, appeared calm and collected before the event. Rana, speaking to India Today earlier in the day, expressed his confidence in her ability to perform on the grand stage.

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During her first Olympic Games in Tokyo, Manu competed in three events: the 10m air pistol, the 25m pistol, and the mixed team 10m pistol event. She faced a pistol malfunction during the 10m air pistol qualification, which caused a six-minute delay while she fixed her equipment, disrupting her concentration. This mishap affected her performance for the remainder of the Games, and she returned home without a medal, despite being one of India’s top medal prospects.

However, in Paris, Manu Bhaker demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, etching her name in history as she stood on the podium, bringing glory to India.