Paris, July 28, 2024 — Shooter Manu Bhaker has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic Bronze medal in shooting. The 22-year-old from Haryana secured India’s first medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 10m Air Pistol final event.
Competing at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, Bhaker clinched the third position, marking a significant achievement three years after experiencing heartbreaks in Tokyo. Her performance has ended India’s 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting.
Bhaker’s strong start in the competition saw her shooting 50.4 in the first series of five shots, with three shots exceeding the 10-point mark. In the second set, she continued her impressive form, tallying 100.3 points and maintaining her position in the top three.
This victory places her among the elite group of Indian shooters who have won Olympic medals, joining the ranks of Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang.
Reflecting on her journey, Bhaker’s perseverance stands out, especially after her struggles at the Tokyo Olympics where she did not qualify for any finals and even contemplated quitting the sport. However, her return to shooting culminated in this historic achievement in Paris.
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal not only highlights her resilience and skill but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of Indian athletes.
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