Manu Bhaker Shoots Bronze At Paris Olympics 2024, Wins India’s First Medal At Games

Paris: Manu Bhaker won India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 after she finished third in women’s 10m Air Pistol final on Sunday. With this medal, Manu Bhaker became the first female Indian shooter to win a medal at the Olympics. She thus joined Rajyavardhan Singh Rathod (silver, 2004), Abhinav Bindra (gold, 2008), Gagan Narang (bronze, 2012) and Vijay Kumar (silver, 2012) in the elite list of shooters to win an Olympic medal.

Bindra, India’s first individual gold medallist, has congratulated Bhaker on the feat. “Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for clinching the bronze medal in the air pistol event at Paris 2024! Your relentless dedication, hard work, and passion have truly paid off. It’s incredible to witness your skill and determination, bringing pride to India with each shot. This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Keep shining, Manu! #Paris2024 #ProudMoment #ShootingStar,” he posted on X.

Bhaker was competing in her second Olympics after drawing a blank in the previous edition. “After Tokyo I was very disappointed and it took me a very long time to overcome that. Frankly speaking, I really can’t explain how good I am feeling today,” Bhaker, whose Tokyo campaign had ended in tears after her pistol malfunctioned during the qualification of the same event, said with a wide smile.

“I was fighting with all the energy I have. Really grateful that I could win the bronze. I read Bhagwat Gita and always tried to do what I am supposed to do, left everything else to god. We can’t fight destiny,” added the world champion in 25m pistol event.