Bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event was Manu Bhaker’s first medal for India at the Paris Olympics. Abhinav Bindra took home the gold in the 2008 competition, Vijay Kumar took home the bronze in the rapid-fire pistol event, and Gagan Narang secured the bronze in the 10m air rifle event in London 2012. India has struggled in this category ever since, but Bhaker’s bronze finally put an end to the drought.
Her rifle malfunctioned during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which resulted in a dismal performance. Following this, the 22-year-old fell out of favour with coach Jaspal Rana and ended their relationship. After the incident, she too thought about retiring, but she ultimately decided against it. They got back together in 2023 and created history in Paris. She also made Olympic history as the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal.
It took me a very long time to get over my disappointment following Tokyo. Honestly, it’s difficult for me to put into words how wonderful I feel tonight,” Baker remarked after taking home the medal.
Notably, she placed third out of 45 participants with a score of 580 points, good for a spot in the second round. Bhaker had to contend with fierce competition from South Korean shooters in the second round. He nearly won a silver medal but had to settle for a bronze. Oh Ye Jin of Korea won the gold medal with 243.2 points, followed by Kim Ye-ji in second place with 241.3. Bhaker, who finished with 221.7 points, came very, very close to making it to the championship round.
Manu’s grandmother expressed her excitement at her victory and promised to prepare a special meal for her when she got back home. “I give her my blessing. She did a fantastic job. When she arrives, we shall all greet her. I’ll make her something nice to eat,” she remarked.
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The Indian cricket community expressed its happiness for Bhaker’s achievement and congratulated her on her bronze medal in the Olympics in Paris. Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket legend, commented about her unwavering grit and resolve, and Mithali Raj spoke about her accuracy.
Here’s how the Indian cricketers reacted to Manu Bhaker’s historic Olympic medal moment:
Great Start for 🇮🇳 at the #Olympics. Manu Bhaker wins the first medal #ProudMoment
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 28, 2024
Manu bhaker 🇮🇳 #OlympicGamesParis2024
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) July 28, 2024
A moment of pride and joy for the country! Congratulations @realmanubhaker for creating history and winning the first medal for India at #Olympics2024 👏🏾
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 28, 2024
Manu Bhaker’s precision earns her 🥉 in the women’s 10m air pistol, India’s first medal at #PARIS2024!
Congratulations @realmanubhaker, the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal!#Olympics pic.twitter.com/QfZ83z1PPp
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) July 28, 2024
Congratulations #ManuBhaker on getting India’s first medal! You’ve made 🇮🇳 proud! pic.twitter.com/bkrvqDpPuU
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 28, 2024
Off the mark in the medal tally and on the mark with the shooting! Congratulations, @realmanubhaker, on bagging India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics.
After overcoming the heartbreak in Tokyo, you have shown immense strength & determination to win a bronze at #Paris2024, and… pic.twitter.com/U7Ih7dJDRE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 28, 2024
Many congratulations Manu Bhaker 🇮🇳
A shooting medal after 12 years for India and the first ever Indian female shooter to do so! Keep going strong! 🇮🇳✌️ @realmanubhaker #Olympics pic.twitter.com/vz9cSfLn0g
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) July 28, 2024
Congratulations and thank you #ManuBhaker on getting India’s first medal! You’ve made our country proud! #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/TLRxE31M5X
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) July 28, 2024
Well done @realmanubhaker for opening India’s account at the @Paris2024. Bullseye. God bless 🙌🏻 #ManuBhakar #PARIS2024 #Olympic2024 #India pic.twitter.com/coJyWLmerm
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 28, 2024
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