Discover the inspiring journey of Manu Bhaker, the unstoppable force in Indian shooting at the Paris Olympics 2024. Follow her path to glory on our website.
Introduction:
Manu Bhaker has created history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, clinching the bronze in the 10m Air Pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In fact, this marvelous victory marked the opening medal for India at the Paris Games and ended a 12-year wait for a medal in shooting at the world stage.
The Journey to the Podium
The Event and Competitors: The 22-year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district turned in a scintillating display of skill and poise in the final. Pitted against some of the world’s best shooters, Bhaker managed 221.7 points. South Korea’s Kim Yeji returned with silver after scoring 241.3, while another South Korean Jin Ye Oh bagged gold, breaking the record with 243.2.
National and Family Support
The win was a source of great delight to Bhaker’s family and the entire nation. Her parents, grandmother and uncle expressed their pride while thanking fellow Indians for their support. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself celebrated Bhaker’s achievement on social media, pointing out how massive the win was for India.
See also: Race of the Century at Paris 2024 Olympics: Ariarne Titmus
Bhaker Family Reactions
Proud Parents: Her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, has expressed her heartfelt thanks saying, “I thank you all for supporting her, and I hope you all will continue to bless her.” Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, went on to say, “[W]e are feeling very proud due to her victory. Obviously, everybody is waiting for her remaining events.” He further told that her success was “due to more extensive support from the government’s side and the federation, and blessings from all countrymen.”.
See also: Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s bronze win in the 10m Air Pistol event
Hope and Encouragement
Manu Bhaker’s uncle, Baljeet Singh, was optimistic about her future victories, hoping that she is going to win all remaining events. He has also been in deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the lady, quoting her as the youngest woman from India to have won an Olympic medal.
Ending a 12-Year-Old Drought
The bronze medal won by Manu Bhaker is monumental for Indian shooting, as it finally ends a 12-year Olympic medal drought. The last time India achieved such a feat in shooting was during the 2012 London Games, where Vijay Kumar secured a silver medal in the rapid-fire pistol event, and Gagan Narang earned a bronze in the 10m air rifle competition. Bhaker’s achievement not only highlights her exceptional talent and perseverance but also revitalizes India’s presence on the global shooting stage, inspiring a new generation of shooters and rekindling national pride in the sport.
Burasada Past Disappointments
The 24-year-old Bhaker was participating in her second Olympics and redeemed herself after a disappointing performance in Tokyo whose run at the chances were derailed by a malfunctioning pistol. Recounting the journey, Bhaker said: “After Tokyo I was very disappointed and it took me a very long time to overcome that. Frankly speaking, I really can’t explain how good I am feeling today.”
Way Forward for Bhaker in Shooting
The nation watches with bated breath as Bhaker goes into the final two events of the Olympics, hoping to add more to her medals tally. Consistency in performance and spunk are such that more medals do seem within reach.
Long-Term Ambitions
The journey does not end in Paris for Bhaker, who has set her eyes on competing in the future while motivating the next generation of Indian shooters. Her story is of perseverance, relentless pursuit of excellence.
Conclusion
The bronze medal won by Manu Bhaker in the Paris 2024 Olympics marks only the opening chapter in the annals of Indian sports history. Of course, it brings not just a personal victory but beacons light and will stand as an example for many more athletes around the country. Now, with Bhaker continuing to shoot literally for the stars, her legend shall spur many others to dream big and fight for greatness in the world of sports.