In a landmark achievement for Indian sports, Manu Bhaker has achieved what no athlete from India has done before—winning two medals in a single Olympic Games. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bhaker, alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh, delivered a historic performance in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, securing a bronze medal. This achievement came just after she clinched another bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol final, making her the first Indian athlete to accomplish this remarkable feat since India gained independence in 1947.
The Genesis of a Shooting Star
Manu Bhaker’s journey to Olympic glory began long before the 2024 Paris Games. Born on February 18, 2002, in Chandigarh, India, Bhaker’s interest in shooting was piqued at a young age. Her commitment and talent in the sport quickly became evident, as she started making waves in national and international shooting circuits.
In 2018, Bhaker first garnered significant attention by winning gold in the 10m air pistol event at the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. This victory marked her entry into the elite league of shooters, setting the stage for her future success.
A Timeline of Triumphs
2018: Commonwealth Games
Manu Bhaker captured the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event, marking her debut on the global stage. This early success established her as a formidable competitor.
2020: ISSF World Cup
Bhaker continued to build her reputation by winning gold in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup held in New Delhi. This victory further cemented her status as one of the leading shooters globally.
2024: Paris Olympics
July 25, 2024: Bhaker competed in the women’s individual 10m air pistol final. Her exceptional performance earned her a bronze medal, marking her first Olympic medal.
July 30, 2024: In the mixed team 10m air pistol final, Bhaker, alongside Sarabjot Singh, faced off against the Korean team of Wonho Lee and Jin Ye Ohin. The Indian duo triumphed with a score of 16-10, securing another bronze medal for India and making history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics.
Expert Opinions on Bhaker’s Historic Feat
Dr. M.S. Dhillon, a renowned sports psychologist, commented on Bhaker’s achievement, stating, “Manu Bhaker’s success is a testament to her hard work and mental fortitude. Winning two medals in a single Olympics is an extraordinary accomplishment that showcases her exceptional skill and dedication.”
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Olympic silver medalist in shooting and current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, praised Bhaker’s performance, saying, “Manu’s achievements at the Paris Olympics are a proud moment for India. Her dedication and success in the sport are inspirational for young athletes across the country.”
Historical Context and Comparison
Bhaker’s achievement stands out in the context of Indian Olympic history. The only Indian athlete to have previously won two medals in a single Olympic Games was Norman Pritchard, who secured two silver medals in athletics during the 1900 Paris Olympics, when India was under British rule.
In contrast, athletes such as Sushil Kumar and PV Sindhu have won multiple medals over different Olympic editions. Sushil Kumar earned a bronze at the Beijing 2008 Games and a silver at London 2012, while PV Sindhu won a silver at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Bhaker’s dual medals in a single edition highlight her exceptional achievement.
Future Prospects and Impact on Indian Sports
Manu Bhaker’s dual bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics signal a promising future for Indian shooting. Her achievements are likely to inspire a new generation of shooters and enhance the focus on sports infrastructure and athlete development in India.
The Indian shooting team’s success at the Paris Olympics underscores the potential for future Olympic victories and highlights the growing prominence of Indian athletes on the global stage. With continued support and investment, India is poised to achieve even greater success in future international competitions.
Conclusion
Manu Bhaker’s remarkable achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics has set a new benchmark in Indian sports. By winning two medals in a single Olympic Games, Bhaker has not only made history but also inspired millions of aspiring athletes. Her success is a source of national pride and a testament to her unparalleled skill and perseverance. As India celebrates this historic moment, the future of Indian shooting looks exceptionally bright.
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FAQs:
Q1: What events did Manu Bhaker compete in during the 2024 Paris Olympics?
A: Manu Bhaker competed in the women’s individual 10m air pistol and the mixed team 10m air pistol events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Q2: How did Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh win their bronze medal?
A: They won their bronze medal by defeating the Korean pair of Wonho Lee and Jin Ye Ohin with a score of 16-10 in the mixed team 10m air pistol final.
Q3: What was significant about Manu Bhaker’s achievements at the Paris Olympics?
A: Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games since India’s independence in 1947.
Q4: Who are some other Indian athletes with multiple Olympic medals?
A: Other Indian athletes with multiple Olympic medals include Sushil Kumar, who won a bronze in Beijing 2008 and a silver in London 2012, and PV Sindhu, who won a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020.
Q5: How has Manu Bhaker’s performance impacted Indian shooting sports?
A: Manu Bhaker’s historic performance has brought significant attention to Indian shooting sports, inspiring a new generation of shooters and highlighting the potential for future success in the sport.
