In a remarkable turn of events, Manu Bhaker, the talented Indian shooter, scripted history at the Paris Olympics 2024. She became the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting, clinching a bronze in the 10m Air Pistol event. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting and exemplifies resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
Manu Bhaker’s heartbreak at Tokyo Olympics
Just a few years ago, Manu Bhaker faced heartbreak at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Despite high expectations, she couldn’t secure a podium finish in any of her events. It was a tough blow for the young shooter, but she refused to be defeated.
Instead of dwelling on disappointment, Manu Bhaker turned adversity into an opportunity for growth. She reflected on her performance, analyzed her weaknesses, and sought ways to improve. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, played a crucial role in guiding her through this challenging phase.
Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Manu Bhaker focused not only on physical training but also on mental and spiritual strength. The ancient wisdom of the Gita helped her maintain composure, stay centred, and channel her energy effectively.
Fast forward to the Paris Olympics 2024, and Manu Bhaker emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Her precision, concentration, and unwavering resolve propelled her to the podium. The bronze medal was not just a personal victory but a testament to her comeback spirit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Manu Bhaker to congratulate her. He lauded her brilliant comeback and acknowledged the significance of her achievement. Manu’s success holds even greater weight as she is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal.
“Huge congratulations to you. I am very excited and happy after hearing about your success,” Modi said on the call. “You lost silver by 0.1 but you have made India proud. You should be credited for two things: you won bronze and also you are the first female shooter to win an Olympic medal for India. A lot of congratulations from my side. Last time in the Tokyo Olympics your pistol betrayed you but this time you have compensated for everything.”
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Olympic Bronze Medalist Manu Bhaker and congratulated her on winning a Bronze medal in Women’s 10 M Air Pistol at #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/IHrumNS5yv
— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2024
Manu Bhaker joins the elite league of Indian shooters like Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang who have etched their names in Olympic history. Her journey inspires aspiring athletes across the nation to persevere, learn from setbacks, and rise stronger.
As the tricolour fluttered proudly in Paris, Manu Bhaker’s story became a beacon of hope—a reminder that setbacks are mere stepping stones toward greatness. Her comeback exemplifies the essence of sportsmanship: not just winning medals, but winning hearts and inspiring generations to come.
Also Read: DDCA announce inaugural Delhi Premier League
