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Bronze Glory : Manu Bhaker's Olympic Triumph

In a groundbreaking achievement, 22-year-old Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting at the Olympics. Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, marking India's first medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. This remarkable feat not only breaks new ground for Indian female shooters but also ends a 12-year medal drought for India in Olympic shooting.

Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, marking India's first medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Manu Bhaker (Credits - Olympics)

Manu Bhaker's journey to this historic moment has been nothing short of inspiring. Born on February 18, 2002, Bhaker has been a prominent figure in the shooting sport for several years. Her dedication, hard work, and talent have consistently put her at the forefront of Indian shooting. At just 16, she won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, becoming the youngest Indian to win a gold at the ISSF World Cup. Her achievements at such a young age hinted at her potential for even greater success on the global stage.

The Women's Air Pistol final in Paris was a fiercely contested event, with Bhaker displaying exceptional skill and composure. She clinched the bronze medal with a score of 221.7, finishing behind South Korea's Ye Jin, who won gold with an Olympic record of 243.2 points, and Kim Yeji, who took silver with 241.3 points. Bhaker's performance was a testament to her perseverance and determination, especially considering her previous Olympic experience.

Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, marking India's first medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Manu Bhaker (Credits - Olympics)

In the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker was one of India's medal prospects in shooting. However, her campaign ended in disappointment due to a malfunction in her pistol, leading to an early exit from the competition. This setback was a significant blow for Bhaker, but it also served as a turning point in her career. Determined to make a strong comeback, she worked tirelessly to refine her skills and improve her performance. Her efforts paid off spectacularly in Paris, where she redeemed herself with a podium finish. Bhaker's achievement in Paris is particularly significant for Indian shooting. It is India's fifth Olympic shooting medal, but the previous four were all won by male shooters.

 The last time India won a medal in shooting was at the 2012 London Olympics, where Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang both finished on the podium. Since then, Indian shooting had endured two Olympics without a medal. Bhaker's success has finally broken this jinx, bringing renewed hope and inspiration to the Indian shooting community. The impact of Bhaker's bronze medal extends beyond the individual accomplishment. Her historic win serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female shooters across India. It demonstrates that with dedication, hard work, and resilience, Indian women can excel on the global stage in sports traditionally dominated by men. 

Bhaker's success is expected to encourage more young women to take up shooting and pursue their dreams of representing India at the highest level. Among those who celebrated Bhaker's achievement was Abhinav Bindra, the only Indian shooter to win an Olympic gold medal. Bindra, who won gold in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, took to social media to praise Bhaker's dedication and hard work. "Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for clinching the bronze medal in the air pistol event at Paris 2024! Your relentless dedication, hard work, and passion have truly paid off," Bindra wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added, "It's incredible to witness your skill and determination, bringing pride to India with each shot. This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Keep shining, Manu!" 

The road to Bhaker's Olympic success has been paved with challenges and triumphs. From her early days in shooting to becoming a global sensation, her journey is a story of resilience and unwavering commitment. Bhaker's rise in the shooting world began with her impressive performances in national and international competitions. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and consistently deliver strong performances earned her a reputation as one of India's best shooters. Bhaker's success at the 2018 Commonwealth Games was a turning point in her career. Winning gold at such a prestigious event at a young age showcased her immense talent and potential. This victory was followed by another significant achievement when she became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. These accomplishments set the stage for her Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

Despite the disappointment in Tokyo, Bhaker's determination remained unshaken. She used the experience as a learning opportunity and focused on improving her performance. Her relentless efforts culminated in the historic bronze medal win in Paris, proving that setbacks can be overcome with resilience and hard work. Bhaker's journey also highlights the importance of support and encouragement from various quarters. Her family, coaches, and the Indian shooting community have played crucial roles in her development as a shooter. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping her navigate the highs and lows of her career. Bhaker's success is a collective achievement that underscores the significance of a strong support system in an athlete's life.

As Bhaker poses with her bronze medal, she stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless young athletes across India. Her achievement is a reminder that dreams can be realized with determination and perseverance. Bhaker's historic win in Paris is not just a personal triumph; it is a milestone for Indian sports, breaking new ground and paving the way for future generations of Indian women shooters.

Cover Credits - Olympics.com

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