Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker Makes History, Becomes First Indian Woman Shooter To Win Olympics Medal

Manu Bhaker won bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle, finishing just 0.1 behind second place.

Manu Bhaker: A Historic Bronze Medal in Paris Olympics 2024

At the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name into history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker’s remarkable performance not only secured her place on the podium but also marked a significant milestone as the first female Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal. This achievement opens India’s medal tally at the Games and signifies a promising start for the country’s shooting contingent.

The Journey to Bronze

Manu Bhaker’s journey to the bronze medal was nothing short of extraordinary. From the qualification rounds to the final, she demonstrated exceptional skill, precision, and composure. Starting with the qualification rounds on July 27, Bhaker’s performance was a beacon of hope for Indian shooting, which had seen mixed results up to that point.

In the qualification round, Bhaker secured the third position with a score of 580. This was a significant achievement, considering the high level of competition and the pressure of representing her country on such a grand stage. The top spot in the qualification was claimed by Hungarian shooter Veronika Major with a score of 582. The other Indian shooter, Rhythm Sangwan, unfortunately did not fare as well, finishing 15th with a score of 573.

Bhaker’s qualification performance was marked by a steady progression. She started strongly, finishing the first series with a score of 97 points, placing her in fourth position. Maintaining her form, she repeated the 97-point score in the second series, which kept her in fourth place. Despite a slip in the rankings when Rhythm Sangwan fell to 26th place after a poor shot, Bhaker remained in contention.

The turning point came in the third series when Bhaker shot an impressive 98, which moved her into the top two positions. However, she faced a setback in the fifth series with a score of 8, which was her first poor shot in an otherwise flawless qualification performance. Despite this, Bhaker’s earlier scores ensured her place in the final, showcasing her ability to recover and maintain focus under pressure.

The Final Showdown

In the final, Bhaker displayed remarkable composure and skill. She started strong and managed to stay in the top three throughout the event. Her performance was characterized by precision and consistency, which are crucial in the highly competitive field of air pistol shooting. As the final shots were fired, Bhaker was in a promising position, holding onto second place heading into the last shot.

The final shot proved to be a dramatic moment. Bhaker delivered a score of 10.3 on her last shot, which, although impressive, was not enough to secure the second position. South Korea’s Yeji Kim scored a slightly higher 10.5 on her final shot, pushing Bhaker to the third spot. The narrow margin of just 0.1 points meant that Bhaker narrowly missed out on silver but still clinched the bronze medal.

Bhaker’s final score of 221.7 points was a testament to her skill and perseverance. Despite the last-minute change in rankings, her bronze medal was a significant achievement and a proud moment for Indian sports. The bronze medal not only added to India’s medal tally but also set a high benchmark for future Indian shooters.

Significance of the Achievement

Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal holds immense significance beyond the immediate glory of the Olympics. It marks a historic first for Indian female shooters, who have long aspired to make their mark on the global stage. Bhaker’s achievement is likely to inspire a new generation of shooters in India and elevate the profile of shooting as a competitive sport in the country.

Her victory also highlights the growing strength of Indian shooters on the international stage. Bhaker’s performance comes at a time when Indian shooting is increasingly gaining recognition and respect in global sports circles. The success of shooters like Bhaker and the rising standards of Indian sports can contribute to enhancing the country’s reputation in international competitions.

Ramita Jindal’s Impressive Performance

In addition to Bhaker’s historic win, another Indian shooter, Ramita Jindal, made headlines by qualifying for the women’s 10m air rifle final. Jindal’s performance was notable as she secured the fifth position with a score of 631.5. Her achievement is commendable, given the competitive nature of the event and the pressure of performing at the Olympics.

Ramita Jindal’s qualification adds to the positive narrative for Indian shooting at the Paris Olympics. Jindal, who previously won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, demonstrated her marksmanship and potential by securing a spot in the final. Her performance reflects the growing depth of talent within the Indian shooting squad and underscores the potential for future success in the sport.

On the other hand, Elavenil Valarivan, another prominent Indian shooter, faced a setback as she finished 10th in the 10m air rifle event. Despite being a strong contender and having performed well in previous competitions, Valarivan was unable to secure a place in the final. Her performance, however, remains a part of the learning curve and development for future Olympic endeavors.

Looking Ahead

As the Paris Olympics progress, the Indian shooting team has set a strong foundation with Bhaker’s bronze medal and Jindal’s final qualification. The achievements of these athletes are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the growing support for shooting sports in India.

The focus now shifts to the remaining events and the continued performance of Indian shooters. The aim is not only to surpass the medal count from previous Olympics but also to establish a sustained presence in international shooting competitions. The successes of Bhaker and Jindal offer a glimpse of the potential that Indian shooting holds and the possibilities for future Olympic glory.

In conclusion

Manu Bhaker’s historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a momentous achievement for Indian sports. It marks the beginning of a promising journey for Indian shooters and sets the stage for continued success in future international competitions. The inspiring performances of both Bhaker and Jindal reflect the growing prowess of Indian shooting and contribute to the rich legacy of the sport.