Indian shooter Manu Bhaker secured two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, clarifying speculations regarding her pistol’s worth, which is between $1,800 and $2,200. She underscored her commitment to shooting and the emotional challenges athletes face. Her triumphs mark historic achievements for Indian sports, concluding a 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting.

Indian Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, who recently secured two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, has addressed speculation regarding the price of her competition pistol. Bhaker is celebrated as the first Indian athlete to achieve this distinction by winning bronze in both the women’s 10-meter air pistol event and the mixed team event. Contrary to reports circulating on social media that claimed her pistol was valued at over $12,000, the 22-year-old athlete clarified, “Twelve thousand dollars? No. It is a one-time investment of around $1,800 to $2,200.” She elaborated that the cost varies based on factors such as whether the pistol is new, second-hand, or custom-made. Moreover, Bhaker noted that as athletes reach a certain level, equipment manufacturers often provide pistols at no cost. Following her remarkable success, Bhaker has been the center of media attention. In a recent interview, she discussed her Olympic journey and the support she garnered from fans after her victories. When queried about her passion beyond shooting, she expressed, “The love of my life is shooting, and I want to keep winning medals for India. I enjoy dressing up and other things, but shooting remains my priority.” Bhaker also touched on her emotional management strategies, asserting, “I get angry too, but I’ve learned to channel my anger into something positive. It’s essential for a sportsperson.” Her historic achievements commenced when she secured bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. She qualified for the finals with a score of 580 points, ranking third among 45 participants, and maintained her performance to secure the bronze with a score of 221.7. Reflecting on her journey post-Tokyo, where she faced significant setbacks including a malfunction of her pistol, Bhaker mentioned, “After Tokyo, I was very disappointed and it took me a long time to overcome that. I read the Bhagwat Gita and tried to do what I am supposed to do, leaving everything else to God.” She attributed her mental resilience to the support and guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana, acknowledging, “India deserves many more medals. The feeling is surreal, and it takes a lot of effort. I fought with all the energy I had in the final shot. Maybe I can get better in the next event.” Concluding her reflections, Manu Bhaker expressed gratitude towards her supporters, sponsors, and her coach, affirming, “Thank you so much for sticking by me. This medal is for them. I am standing here strong because of their support.” Her bronze not only marks a personal victory but also ends a 12-year Olympic medal drought for India in shooting, as the nation last secured a medal in this discipline in 2012, thus opening India’s medal account in the Paris Games.

The article discusses the recent achievements of Manu Bhaker, an Indian Olympian, who made headlines by winning two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, thereby making history as the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat in a single Olympic event. It highlights the recent speculations about the cost of her shooting pistol, clears misconceptions regarding its price, and studies Bhaker’s emotional and motivational journey in elite sport. Her success story carries significance not just for her career but also for Indian shooting sports, shedding light on the pressures and expectations faced by athletes at the international level.

In summary, Manu Bhaker’s achievements at the Paris Olympics not only highlight her exceptional talent as a competitive shooter but also illustrate the challenges and triumphs faced by elite athletes. By addressing misconceptions regarding her equipment and sharing her emotional journey, Bhaker enhances our understanding of the personal dedication required in competitive sports. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and reinstates India’s growing prominence in shooting sports on the global stage.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk

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