In a moment that will echo through Indian sports history, Manu Bhaker clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With this victory, she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. The excitement is palpable as India celebrates its fifth Olympic medal in shooting and the first across all sports at Paris 2024.
The Thrilling Final
In a nail-biting final, the 22-year-old Manu Bhaker displayed unwavering focus. She scored 221.7, securing the third spot among the eight finalists. The gold medal went to Oh Ye Jin of the Republic of Korea, who set a new Olympic record with a score of 243.2. Yeji Kim, also from South Korea, claimed silver with a final score of 241.3, narrowly edging out Bhaker.
A Journey of Grit and Determination
Manu Bhaker’s journey to this historic moment has been marked by resilience. At Tokyo 2020, she narrowly missed qualifying for the final due to a pistol malfunction. Undeterred, she returned stronger, determined to make her mark on the Olympic stage.
India’s Shooting Legacy
India’s shooting prowess has grown steadily over the years. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won India’s first Olympic shooting medal—a silver in men’s double trap—at Athens 2004. Abhinav Bindra secured gold in men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008, while Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar added silver and bronze, respectively, at London 2012.
A Trailblazing Achievement
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal not only adds to India’s medal tally but also marks a significant milestone. She stormed into the final after finishing third in the qualifying round, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic shooting final in two decades. Her journey continues as she competes in the 10m air pistol mixed team event and the women’s 25m pistol event.
Let us celebrate this remarkable feat—a testament to talent, dedication, and national pride!