Chateauroux: Manu Bhaker ended India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal in the Olympics by becoming the first markswoman from the country to finish on the podium with a bronze in the 10m air pistol event of the Paris Games here on Sunday.
The last time India won medals at the Olympics was in 2012 London edition when rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinched bronze.
Indian shooting endured two Olympics without a medal before the 22-year-old Manu fought hard to get the bronze with a score of 221.7.
Korea’s Kim Yeji claimed the silver with a total of 241.3 while her compatriot Jin Ye Oh snared the gold with a Games record of 243.2.
‘This medal is for all of us,’ says Manu Bhaker
After rewriting the history, Manu dedicated her medal to the nation and said it is “for all” while talking about her mindset for the final.
“As soon as the qualification round was over, I was actually looking forward to the finals and I was like, ‘I didn’t know how things going to be’. I have worked really hard and I don’t know what’s going to become of me tomorrow. How difficult is it going to be tomorrow? Because I know all the people from India are here and I’m so happy that so many people came to cheer for me. This medal is for all of us not just for me,” the 22-year-old said after winning the medal.
“It’s a teamwork always. And I’m really grateful that I was the medium to win this medal for India,” she added.
Manu added that her feat is just the beginning of many more medals in the Paris Olympics for the country.
“Honestly, I hope India wins as many metals as possible because We have worked really hard to come this far and to stand here. It’s just in the moment in which we have to put in all the efforts we can and just leave all the outcomes to God. I don’t see it as an opening or anything. It’s just like India is yet to win many medals. It’s a very good feeling. I can’t explain how good I feel, but at the same time, I have many more matches to shoot. Tomorrow, I have another and the day after then again,” the shooter said.
Manu further thanked her family, friends and coach Jaspal Rana for supporting her journey.
“Thank you so much for sticking by me in my hard times and I really owe it to all of you that I’m standing here strong. Trying my best in every single event, putting in my best effort every single time because you make my life so easy. It’s not just the people. It’s not just my family and friends but so much more like my coach Jaspal sir…,” she concluded.
PM Modi hails Manu Bhaker
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modihailed Manu Bhaker for winning India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics. He said her success is even more special as she becomes the first woman to win a medal in shooting for India.
A resilient Manu Bhaker ended India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal in the Olympics by becoming the first markswoman from the country to finish on the podium with a bronze in the 10m air pistol event of the Paris Games here on Sunday.
“A historic medal! Well done, @realmanubhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at #ParisOlympics2024! Congrats for the Bronze,” Modi said in a post on X.
“This success is even more special as she becomes the first woman to win a medal in shooting for India. An incredible achievement!” he added.
President Droupadi Murmu congratulates Manu Bhaker
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated shooter Manu Bhaker on winning a historic bronze medal in the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris and said her feat will inspire many sportspersons, especially women.
“Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for opening India’s medal tally with her bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol shooting event at the Paris Olympics. She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in a shooting competition. India is proud of Manu Bhaker. Her feat is going to inspire many sportspersons, especially women. I wish she scales greater heights of accomplishment in the future,” the official account of the President of India wrote on X.
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