Paris Olympics: Manu Bhaker Clinches Bronze, Becomes First Indian Woman To Win Shooting Medal

Manu Bhaker scripted history by winning an Olympic Bronze medal in Paris on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

The 22-year-old Haryana shooter became the first Indian female shooter to win a medal at the Olympic Games, securing the third position in the women's 10m air pistol final at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in the French capital.

Photo Credit: PTI

This victory comes three years after a series of heartbreaks in Tokyo, marking an impressive comeback for one of India's most celebrated and talented shooters.

Manu began the final with remarkable confidence. As her name was called out at the shooting range, she managed to smile at the TV cameras, which delighted the Indian crowd.

She started strong, shooting 50.4 in the first series of 5 shots, with three of those shots scoring in excess of 10. In the second set of 5 shots, she increased her tally to 100.3 and consistently stayed in the top 3 throughout the competition.

This triumph helped Manu overcome the haunting memories of the Tokyo Olympics, where she did not qualify for the final in any of the three events she competed in.

Manu had even contemplated quitting shooting last year before rediscovering her passion for the sport. Her form leading up to the Paris Games was promising, and the highs and lows she faced over the years contributed to her hunger and determination to excel in the range on Sunday.

Manu's performance in the qualification rounds was also commendable. She finished third, showcasing her experience and ability to handle nerves better this time around. Both Manu and her coach, Jaspal Rana, appeared calm and confident before the event.

Manu had previously competed in three events at her maiden Olympic Games in Tokyo: the 10m air pistol, the 25m pistol, and the mixed team 10m pistol event.

Unfortunately, she faced a major setback during the qualification event for the 10m air pistol when her pistol malfunctioned. she lost six crucial minutes fixing her pistol, which disrupted her concentration and affected her performance in the rest of the Games.

Despite being one of India's biggest medal hopes, she returned home empty-handed from Tokyo.

However, this time her perseverance paid off in Paris. Manu's bronze medal not only marks a personal victory but also brings glory to the nation, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Indian shooters.