Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy from Haryana, has already etched her name in Olympic history. At the Paris Olympics 2024, she became the first Indian woman to bag two medals in a single edition – a bronze in the 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.
However, Manu Bhaker’s hunger for success doesn’t end there. She’s now setting her sights on a historic feat – becoming the first Indian athlete to win three individual medals at the Olympics. This pursuit begins on August 2nd, when she competes in the qualifying event for her pet event: the women’s 25m air pistol.
Look Back at Manu Bhaker impressive journey
Manu Bhaker’s journey to Olympic stardom has been remarkable. Here are some key highlights:
- Double Medal Feat: Secured a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
- Record-Breaking Performance: Bhaker broke a 124-year-old record by becoming the second Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.
- Quota Secured: Qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing fifth in the 25m pistol event at the 2023 Asian Shooting Championships.
- Dominant Form: Clinched the women’s 25m team pistol title at the 2022 Asian Games.
- Historic Achievement: Became the first Indian shooter and the first female athlete from the country to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympics in 2018.
Road to Third Olympic Medal: Women’s 25m Pistol Event
The 25m pistol is considered Manu Bhaker’s strongest event. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Qualifying Rounds: Bhaker will compete in two qualifying rounds on August 2nd – the precision round and the rapid round. Only the top eight shooters will advance to the final. These two are separate events.
- Key Competitors: Manu Bhaker’s biggest challenge will likely come from Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp, the current world No. 1 in the 25m pistol event.
Manu Bhaker Impressive 25m Pistol record
- World Championship Success: Silver medal at the 2022 Cairo World Championships, Gold medal at the 2023 Baku World Championships.
- Asian Games Dominance: Gold medal in the 25m pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games.
- World Cup Victories: Bronze medal at the 2023 Bhopal World Cup.
- Olympic Qualification: Secured Olympic quota for Paris 2024 at the 2023 Asian Shooting Championships.
How to watch Manu Bhaker in action
For fans in India, Bhaker’s qualification event will be broadcast LIVE on the Sports18 network and JioCinema.
Can Manu Bhaker win third Olympic medal at Paris 2024?
Bhaker’s composure and exceptional shooting skills displayed during the mixed team event have fueled hopes for a third medal. Her experience and talent make her a strong contender in the 25m pistol event.
With a potential medal in sight, Manu Bhaker’s quest for Olympic glory continues. The entire nation will be glued to their screens, cheering her on as she attempts to rewrite history and become India’s most decorated Olympian.
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