Manu Bhaker Makes History with Two Bronze Medals at Paris 2024 Olympics
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, securing two bronze medals in shooting events. She opened India’s medal tally by finishing third in the women’s individual 10m air pistol and achieved her second bronze in the mixed team event. This success marks a significant recovery after her disappointment in Tokyo 2020 and highlights India’s growing prowess in sports.
Shooter Manu Bhaker heralded India’s medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics by making history as the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, clinching third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. Her remarkable performance included a second bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, defeating South Korea’s team in the playoff.
This accomplishment positions Bhaker as the first Indian athlete since independence to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, a feat previously held by Norman Pritchard at the 1900 Paris Games. Despite narrowly missing a medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, Bhaker’s achievement solidified her status as the most successful female shooter in India, complementing her existing accolades from various international competitions.
Born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker initially engaged in various sports before committing to shooting, which eventually paved the way for her illustrious career. Despite past challenges, including a disappointing experience at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a equipment malfunction, her resolve has led to this monumental success.
India’s overall performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics was commendable, with a total of six medals earned, reflecting the nation’s growing athletic prowess across multiple disciplines. This included a bronze medal by Swapnil Kusale in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event and a historic double bronze for the Indian men’s hockey team, marking 52 years since their last Olympic medal.
Manu Bhaker’s achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics mark a significant turning point in Indian shooting sports. Her accolades not only underscore her personal comeback after the disappointment of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but also highlight the exponential growth of shooting as a competitive discipline in India. As the first Indian female shooter to secure an Olympic medal, Bhaker’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in the country. The context of the Paris 2024 Olympics further depicts a broader narrative of India’s evolving sports landscape, where athletes across various events have begun to shine on the global stage. This transformation is emblematic of enhanced sports infrastructure and investment in athlete development, marking a promising trajectory for future Olympic endeavors.
In summary, Manu Bhaker’s historic achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics represent a significant milestone for Indian shooting sports and women’s representation in athletics. Her two bronze medals not only reflect her exceptional talent and perseverance but also highlight India’s burgeoning success in diverse sports disciplines. This triumph serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for future generations of athletes in India, likely fostering continued progress and excellence in Olympic competitions.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
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