From failing to qualify to victory stand, India shooter Manu Bhaker finished third to secure a bronze medal in the final of the Women’s Air Pistol event in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday.
She scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach a shooting final in an individual event of the Olympics.
Bhaker brought India’s first medal in the ongoing mega event as she won a bronze medal with a score of 221.7.
Jhajjar, Haryana-born Bhaker experimented with many games like boxing, tennis, and skating but found her love for shooting. She began her shooting journey at the age of 14 with the help of an initial investment worth ₹1,50,000 by her father Ram Kishan Bhaker, who worked as a chief engineer in merchant navy. In the 2018 Junior World Cup, she won three gold medals and a silver, starring primarily in the individual and mixed team events of the 10m air pistol.
In Tokyo Olympics, this Indian shooter did not qualify for the final of even one of the three events that she competed in. Even though she decided to quit shooting last year she came back stronger and brought India’s first medal in the ongoing mega event as she won a bronze medal with a score of 221.7.
South Korea’s Ye Jin clinched the gold medal with an Olympic record of 243.2 points. Her compatriot, Kim Yeji settled for silver with 241.3 points.
On the opening day, Bhaker finished third in the Women’s 10 Metre Air Pistol qualification round to qualify for the final at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Saturday. Meanwhile, Rhythm Sangwan failed to make it to the finals after finishing in 15th place.
Shooter Manu Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, said, “Two of her events are remaining, we hope she will win gold in them…”
Her uncle, Mahendra Singh, said, “We are very happy. We were expecting a gold medal, but this is not a small achievement. She will participate in the upcoming Olympics and we are hopeful she will win a gold medal.”