In a historic moment for Indian sports, Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Manu Bhaker became the first woman shooter from India to win an Olympic medal. Her remarkable performance adds to India’s growing legacy in shooting.
Manu Bhaker creates history
In a closely contested final, Manu was just 0.1 point behind South Korean shooter Kim Yeji when she was eliminated. Kim eventually won silver, while her compatriot Oh Ye Jin claimed gold.
Three years ago, Manu faced a pistol malfunction during the Tokyo Olympics, derailing her chances. Her resilience and determination led her to this well-deserved bronze in Paris.
The last time an Indian woman shooter reached an Olympic final in an individual event was Suma Shirur at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Manu’s achievement breaks a two-decade gap.
🇮🇳🥉 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗭𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘! Manu Bhaker wins India's first medal at #Paris2024 and what a way to do so! From heartbreak at Tokyo to winning a Bronze at Paris, Manu Bhaker's redemption story has been wonderful to witness.
🔫 A superb effort from her and here's hoping… pic.twitter.com/O7tqOuGFTa
— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia) July 28, 2024
Manu Bhaker joins an elite group of Indian shooters who have won medals at the Olympics:
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore: Silver in men’s double trap at Athens 2004.
Abhinav Bindra: Gold in men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008.
Gagan Narang: Bronze in men’s 10m air rifle at London 2012.
Vijay Kumar: Silver in men’s 25m rapid fire pistol at London 2012.
Among these achievements, Manu Bhaker’s medal stands out as the first by an Indian woman shooter. Her success adds a new chapter to India’s sporting legacy.
As the Paris Olympics continue, Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and signifies the relentless pursuit of excellence in Indian sports.
