From heartbreak to winning at Paris Olympics: Manu Bhaker becomes first female shooter to win Olympic medal

The 22 year old  Manu bhaker, who belongs to Jhajjar Haryana fought hard to get a bronze with a score of 221.7 here. It was Bhaker’s second time in the Olympics after drawing a blank in the previous edition. Bhaker, one of India’s biggest medal contenders lived up to her reputation and became the first woman ever to win an Olympic medal in shooting. From heartbreak in Tokyo to winning bronze at Paris, her redemption story has been wonderful to witness.

On July 27 Manu Bhaker qualified for the finals of her event with a score of 580 points, finishing third out of 45 competitors with the top eight going through the finals on Sunday, winning the bronze medal with a total score of 221.7, Manu Bhaker and Kim Yeji were shooting for the second spot in the final elimination round where Manu showcased an outstanding performance as she shot 10.1 and 10.3 in her last two shots. Despite Kim shooting 9.7 and 9.8, she managed to finish before Manu. Three years after a series of heartbreaks in Tokyo, one of India’s most celebrated and talented shooters has fulfilled her dreams along with this she has brought glory to the country.

Manu Bhaker: “After Tokyo, I was very disappointed and it took me a very long time to overcome that. Frankly speaking, I really can’t explain how good I am feeling today”

“ I was fighting with all my energy I am grateful that I can win the bronze medal. I read Bhagwat Gita and always try to  do what I am supposed to do, leaving everything else to god  we can’t fight destiny “

“ so grateful that I could win the bronze maybe better next time, I feel great this medal was a long due for India. It feels surreal “

After a 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting. Manu Bhaker becomes the first Indian woman to win a medal at the games. India’s last Olympics medal came from the 2012 London games, where 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang took home bronze and rapid fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar took home silver.

Something that is most praiseworthy is that throughout the eight-woman final Manu Bhaker never fell outside the top three demonstrating her unwavering consistency. Oh, Ye Jin of Korea won gold with a new Olympic record of 243.2 2. Kim Yeji won silver with a total score of 241.3, making it a 1-2 for Korea.

Wishes for our champion from famous personalities:

PM MODI

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1817511901355721186

President of India

https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1817512817651568902

https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1817593969762574774

@mansukhmandviya -Sports Minister

A proud moment, @realmanubhaker wins Bharat’s first medal , a bronze in women 10m air pistol at #parisolympic2024

Congratulations Manu , you have displayed your skill and dedication. You have become first woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for Bharat.

#cheer4Bharat