Manu Bhaker's Comeback Wins Historic Olympic Bronze, Says Dravid

Cricket legend Rahul Dravid, known for his composure under pressure, praised Manu Bhaker on Sunday for her remarkable comeback from a disappointing Tokyo Olympics to win a historic bronze medal in the current Games. Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to secure an Olympic medal by finishing third in the 10m air pistol event, marking India's first medal in this edition and ending a 12-year wait for its shooters.

Dravid expressed immense satisfaction with the 22-year-old's achievement. "Manu's story is incredible after the disappointment of Tokyo Olympics, to come here and be able to get over that and compete and win a bronze is a phenomenal achievement," Dravid said during a panel discussion at India House.

Manu Bhaker's Historic Achievement

Bhaker, hailing from Jhajjar in Haryana, fought hard to clinch the bronze with a score of 221.7. Korea's Kim Yeji claimed silver with a total of 241.3, while her compatriot Jin Ye Oh won gold with a Games record of 243.2. This achievement opened India's account in the ongoing Games and ended a long wait for its shooters.

A pistol malfunction during qualification at the Tokyo Olympics had left Bhaker disheartened. However, three years later, she achieved what she had long desired. Dravid noted, "In lot of their lives, I can imagine the pressure that involves in all these sports because this is the pinnacle of their sports. It doesn't get bigger than this and for her to be able to do that, truly a great day for Indian sports."

Dravid's Reflections on Sportsmanship

Dravid highlighted the dedication required for such achievements. "It's lovely to come on a day that's special for Indian sports. These kinds of achievements take years of sacrifice, take a lot of hard work, resilience and perseverance," he said. He acknowledged the immense effort athletes put into their careers and how much depends on just a few days of competition.

"We know how hard it is for a sportsperson and what they go through," Dravid added, emphasizing the challenges athletes face at the world's biggest sporting event. He also mentioned how inspiring Bhaker's story is for many back home.

Dravid's Role in Indian Cricket

Recently, Dravid oversaw India's title triumph in the T20 World Cup as head coach before passing on the role to his former national team colleague Gautam Gambhir. He is currently in Paris attending a panel discussion titled "Cricket at the Olympics: Dawn of a New Era," celebrating cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Dravid's presence at such events underscores his continued influence in sports beyond his playing days. His insights into handling pressure and achieving success resonate with athletes across disciplines.

The journey from disappointment to triumph exemplified by Bhaker serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring shooters but also to athletes across various sports disciplines. Her resilience and determination highlight what can be achieved with perseverance and hard work.