India Wins Big at Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker Secures Another Bronze
Posted by admin on 2024-07-30 |
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched India's second medal at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, with the shooting duo earning bronze in the 10m mixed team air pistol event on Tuesday. Having qualified for the bronze medal match on Monday, Manu and Sarabjot triumphed over South Korea with a 16-10 victory, doubling India's medal tally in shooting at the Games.
Manu Bhaker's Historic Achievement
On Sunday, Manu made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, while Sarabjot, competing in the men's event, narrowly missed a podium finish. The 22-year-old shooter from Ambala, who comes from a farming family, expressed relief and happiness after the match. "I'm feeling good. The game was very tough, and there was a lot of pressure. I am very happy," said Singh.
Manu Bhaker's Upcoming Challenge
Manu has the chance to add to her medal tally in Paris as she is set to compete in the 25m Pistol event alongside Esha Singh. This potential hat-trick of medals underscores a significant milestone in Indian sports history, with Manu setting multiple records.
Records Set by Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker's second bronze medal set several notable records:
- First Indian woman in 20 years, since Suma Shirur at the 2004 Athens Games, to enter an Olympic shooting final.
- First Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal.
- First Indian to win an Olympic medal in air pistol.
- First Indian to win two medals in the same edition of the Olympic Games post-Independence.
- First Indian shooter to win two Olympic medals.
- First Indian shooting pair (Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh) to win a team medal in the Olympics.
- First Indian to win Olympic medals in both individual and team events.
Reaction from Manu's Family
Her father, Ramkrishna Bhaker, expressed his joy over her performance in Paris, stating, "This is big news for the whole country. I thank the countrymen for giving their love and blessings to Manu and also helping her in tough times."
Manu Bhaker's Response
The ace Indian shooter, who made history by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games, said, “I'm feeling really proud and there is a lot of gratitude. Thanks for all the blessings.”
India's Shooting Legacy
This bronze marks India's sixth Olympic medal in shooting and the first-ever in a shooting team event. The last time Indian shooters won two medals in a single edition of the Olympics was in London 2012, when Gagan Narang (men’s 10m air rifle) and Vijay Kumar (men’s 25m rapid fire pistol) won silver and bronze, respectively.
