Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. This historic achievement marked the end of a 12-year drought for India in Olympic shooting medals.
Bhaker’s journey to the podium was a rollercoaster of emotions, reflecting the immense pressure and mental fortitude required at the highest level of sport. The 22-year-old, who had endured the heartbreak of a disappointing Tokyo Olympics, showcased remarkable resilience and determination to secure a medal at Paris 2024.
Qualifying Round
Manu Bhaker’s qualification round was a testament to her consistency and composure. She finished third with a total score of 580, securing her place in the final. Her ability to maintain focus and deliver under pressure was evident throughout the round.
Thrilling shooting final for Manu Bhaker
The final was a high-stakes battle, with each shot carrying immense significance. Bhaker displayed nerves of steel as she competed against some of the world’s best shooters. She maintained a steady pace, ensuring her place in the medal contention.
A crucial moment arrived when Bhaker found herself in a close battle for the bronze medal. With just a few shots remaining, she managed to hold her nerve and secure the final points needed to clinch the podium finish.
Manu started the final with a strong 10.6, followed by a 10.2, but dipped with a 9.5 in the third shot. After five shots, she was second with 50.4 points, behind Oh Yejin (52.2). She improved to third with 100.3 after ten shots, trailing by 1.4 points. Two more good shots moved her to second, 0.6 behind the leader.
However, two 9.8s dropped her to joint third with 140.8 points. Crucially, she regained third with a 10.1, building a 2.4-point lead over fourth place. A subsequent 10.1 solidified her medal position, but a 10.0 left her 0.6 behind silver. Her final 10.1 briefly put her in second, but a 10.5 from Yeji secured silver for Korea, with Manu taking bronze by 0.1 points.
Overcoming Adversity ft Manu Bhaker
Bhaker’s journey to the Olympic podium is a story of resilience and determination. The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a challenging experience for the young shooter, but she refused to let it define her career. Her ability to bounce back from adversity and achieve success at the highest level is an inspiration to millions.
New Chapter for Indian Shooting
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting. It is a testament to the growth and development of the sport in the country. The young shooter’s achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes to take up the sport and strive for excellence.
India’s wait for an Olympic shooting medal has finally ended, and Manu Bhaker has emerged as the nation’s new sporting hero. Her victory is a moment of immense pride for the country and will be celebrated for years to come.
As the Paris Olympics continue, India will be hoping for more medal-winning performances from its athletes. Bhaker’s achievement has set a high benchmark for the rest of the Indian contingent.
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