Manu Bhaker is just one win away from becoming the most decorated Indian Olympic athlete in history. She has already secured two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics and has one final event remaining.
She first won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and then earned another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed shooting event.
Manu Bhaker will compete in the 25m air pistol shooting event on Saturday, which will be her last at the Paris Olympics.
Initially, it seemed she might not qualify for the finals, but she performed exceptionally well and finished in second place during the trials on Friday. With hopes for another medal, let’s explore her prospects further.
InsideSport exclusively spoke with seasoned shooting professional Arpit Goel to understand Manu’s chances of winning another medal.
Is a medal assured for Manu Bhaker?
“Manu has performed exceptionally well. After winning two medals, her confidence is at its peak. She already has two bronze medals and receives great support from her coach, Jaspal Singh. With her experience and the assistance she gets, I hope she wins gold. However, from a shooter’s perspective, I think she’s more likely to win silver or bronze. The competition is tough, but those are the most probable outcomes,” Arpit said.
Concerns about Manu’s form in the 25m air pistol event
While Manu has excelled in the 10m air pistol, her record in the 25m air pistol is less impressive by comparison. In the ISSF World Cup, she won gold and silver in the 10m air pistol events. However, she has only one medal in the 25m air pistol, which she earned at the 2023 ISSF World Cup in Bhopal.
Manu has also won gold in the Asian Championships and Commonwealth Games in the 10m air pistol. Additionally, she won gold in the 25m pistol team event at the Asian Games.
“Manu is skilled in both events. She’s grasped the basics and is experienced in both the 10m and 25m events. Timing is crucial in the 25m event, and she handles that well. She scored 590 today, just two points shy of the Olympic record,” Arpit added.
Manu Bhaker’s winning streak is an added advantage
Since winning bronze in the 10m air pistol, Manu has been more confident and in better shape. She is highly motivated as this might be her last chance. Her success in the 10-meter event has bolstered her confidence. She just needs to maintain her current form. Manu’s two bronze medals have set a new standard for herself, giving her a significant advantage in her quest for another medal.
