Manu Bhaker Breaks India’s 12-Year Olympic Shooting Medal Drought with Historic Bronze at Paris 2024
Paris, July 28, 2024 — In a momentous achievement, Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, ending India’s 12-year wait for an Olympic shooting medal. This triumph marks a significant milestone as Bhaker becomes the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, heralding a new era for Indian shooting on the world stage.
The 22-year-old shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana, delivered a stunning performance, earning a score of 221.7 to clinch third place. This victory adds to her growing legacy and signals a bright future for India’s participation in international shooting competitions. The gold medal in this event was claimed by South Korea’s Jin Ye Oh, who set a new Olympic record with a score of 243.2, while her compatriot Kim Yeji took silver with a total of 241.3 points.
Manu Bhaker Breaks India’s 12-Year Olympic Shooting Medal Drought with Historic Bronze at Paris 2024
A Resilient Journey to the Podium
Bhaker’s path to the Olympic podium has been marked by resilience and determination. Her bronze medal not only breaks India’s medal drought but also symbolizes the perseverance and grit required to compete at the highest level. After two Olympic cycles without a medal in shooting, her achievement brings renewed hope and inspiration to aspiring shooters across India.
This medal is India’s first in shooting since the London 2012 Olympics, where Vijay Kumar won bronze in the rapid-fire pistol event and Gagan Narang secured bronze in the 10m air rifle competition. Bhaker’s win, therefore, holds profound significance, reigniting the nation’s pride in its athletes and their capabilities on the global stage.
National Celebration and Accolades
The nation erupted in celebration following Bhaker’s historic win, with leaders, celebrities, and the public alike expressing their joy and pride. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate her, emphasizing the historic nature of her achievement. “A historic medal! Well done, @realmanubhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at #ParisOlympics2024! Congrats for the Bronze. This success is even more special as she becomes the 1st woman to win a medal in shooting for India. An incredible achievement!” the Prime Minister tweeted, encapsulating the sentiment of a proud nation.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra also celebrated Bhaker’s victory, highlighting her determined spirit. “The medal is bronze… But that look is pure gold. Steely-eyed determination that made her the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal in the Olympics. Don’t ever try to get in her way,” Mahindra remarked on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing her resolve and competitive spirit.
International Recognition
The achievement has also garnered international recognition. Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and International Olympic Committee member, lauded Bhaker’s accomplishment. “Our youngest woman shooter has opened India’s tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a bronze. Congratulations, Manu Bhaker! As the first Indian woman to win in the 10 m air pistol at the Olympics and our youngest Indian shooter to do so, you’ve made history,” Ambani said, celebrating Bhaker’s role in elevating Indian shooting to new heights.
Looking Ahead
Manu Bhaker’s success at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment for Indian sports, especially in the shooting discipline. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, highlighting that dedication and perseverance can lead to international success. As India looks forward to nurturing more talents like Bhaker, her bronze medal stands as a testament to the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
In the coming years, Bhaker’s achievement will likely inspire increased investment in sports infrastructure and training in India, aiming to cultivate a new generation of world-class shooters. Her victory not only brings joy but also instills a renewed sense of belief in the nation’s sporting future.
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