A 22-year-old Manu Bhaker, resident of Goria in Jhajjar district, on Sunday created history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze in the 10m air pistol event of the Paris Olympics Games. Bhaker fought hard to get the bronze with a score of 221.7, outsmarted by two Korean opponents — Kim Yeji (241.3) and Jin Ye Oh (243.2).
The triumph has opened the country’s account in the Paris Games and also ended a 12-year wait for its much-hyped shooters. The last time India won shooting medals at the Olympics was in 2012 London edition where rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinched silver and bronze respectively. Narang is the chef de mission of the Paris contingent right now.
A Panjab University student Bhaker, who was competing in her second Olympics after drawing a blank in the previous edition, said, “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…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, leaving everything else to god. We can't fight destiny.”
Bhaker’s shooting story began in early 2016 when she took up the sport on her father Ramkishen Bhaker’s insistence at Universal Senior Secondary School in Goria, Jhajjar. In just one year, the Class XI girl became the national champion in all three categories – youth, junior and women – of the 10m air pistol event. Just eight years after taking up the sport, the 2020 Arjuna awardee has an Olympics bronze.
CM Hails Bhaker for Winning Bronze
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday extended his heartfelt congratulations to Manu Bhaker for her outstanding achievement in securing a bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol event at the Paris Olympics-2024. Saini, in his message, lauded Bhaker for her remarkable performance and historical achievement, which has brought immense pride to both Haryana and the entire nation.
Praising her dedication, hard work, and perseverance that led to this prestigious accomplishment on the global stage, Saini said: “Bhaker’s success is a testament to her extraordinary talent and relentless effort. She has not only made Haryana proud but also set an inspiring example for aspiring athletes across the country…We are confident that our players will continue to excel and bring more laurels to the state and the country.”
Also congratulating all the athletes from Haryana participating in the ongoing Paris Olympics, the Chief Minister expressed his optimism that these athletes will continue to perform exceptionally well and secure more medals for India. “Our government has implemented numerous initiatives and policies to support and nurture the sporting talent in Haryana. We are dedicated to providing our athletes with the best facilities, training, and support to help them achieve their full potential,” he added.
