A resilient Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze in the 10m air pistol event in Chateauroux on July 28, a triumph that opened the country's account in the Paris Games and ended a 12-year wait for its much-hyped shooters.
The last time India won shooting medals at the Olympics was in 2012 London edition where rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinched silver and bronze respectively. Narang is the chef de mission of the Paris contingent right now.
The 22-year-old Bhaker, who hails from Jhajjar in Haryana, 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 bagged the gold with a Games record of 243.2.
Bhaker was competing in her second Olympics after drawing a blank in the previous edition.
"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," Bhaker, whose Tokyo campaign had ended in tears after her pistol malfunctioned during the qualification of the same event, said with a smile on her face.
"I was fighting with all the energy I have. Really grateful that I could win the bronze. I read Bhagwat Gita and always tried to do what I am supposed to do, left everything else to god
"We can't fight destiny," added the world champion in 25m pistol event.
Avhinav Bindra, India's only Olympic shooting gold medalist, led the wishes for Bhaker.
“Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for clinching the bronze medal in the air pistol event at Paris 2024! Your relentless dedication, hard work, and passion have truly paid off,” Bindra wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“It's incredible to witness your skill and determination, bringing pride to India with each shot. This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Keep shining, Manu!” he added.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu said her feat is going to inspire many sportspersons.
"Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for opening India’s medal tally with her bronze medal in the 10 metre air pistol shooting event at the Paris Olympics,” she said.
“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,” she added.
"A proud moment, @realmanubhaker wins Bharat's first medal, a BRONZE in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at #ParisOlympic2024! ,” wrote Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
“Congratulations Manu, you have displayed your skill & dedication, you have become 1st woman shooter to win an Olympic medal!,” he added.
Manu’s father Ramkishan said her hard work has paid off.
"We are extremely happy and all of our friends are congratulating us. Her hard work has paid off, and Manu has finally done it," he said.
"I thank you all for supporting her, and I hope you all will continue to bless her," Manu’s mother Sumedha said.
Manu’s uncles were also among those present at her residence in Haryana’s Jhajjar to join the celebrations.
"I am very happy. I motivated her very much. I told her to respect elders and believe in herself. This is a very big achievement in Olympics," said Pratap Singh, Manu’s uncle.
“She has my blessings,” her grandmother Daya Kaur said.
Manu’s uncle Baljeet Singh expressed, “We hoped for a gold medal but we are still happy. She is the youngest Indian woman to win a medal. She is very hard working. We hope in the remaining events, she will clinch gold medals.”
(PTI)
