Manu Bhaker's Bid for a Hat-Trick Falls Short at Paris Olympics, Finishes 4th in 25m Pistol

Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker came agonizingly close to clinching a third medal, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol final. The 22-year-old Indian shooter delivered a remarkable performance throughout the event, narrowly missing out on the bronze after a tense shoot-off with Hungary's Veronika Major.

Despite this near miss, Bhaker's achievements at these Games were historic. She became the first Indian to win two shooting medals in a single Olympics, having already secured bronze in both the 10m air pistol and the mixed team 10m air pistol events.

Her standout performances and the narrow loss in the 25m pistol final underscore her exceptional skill and resilience. Bhaker’s accomplishments, alongside the broader success of the Indian shooting team, highlight a significant milestone for Indian sports and set a promising precedent for future Olympic pursuits.

Fourth Place Finish in Women's 25m Pistol

At the Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker narrowly missed securing a third medal, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol final. The 22-year-old Indian shooter showcased impressive skill throughout the competition but fell short of the bronze medal by a hair's breadth. Bhaker, who had a stellar performance in a highly competitive field of eight shooters, lost out to Hungary's Veronika Major in the shoot-off for third place.

Historic Achievements in Shooting

Despite the heartbreak of missing the podium in the 25m pistol event, Bhaker's performance at the Paris Games was historic. She became the only Indian to win two shooting medals in a single Olympics campaign.

Bhaker initially clinched bronze in the 10m air pistol and later secured another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh. Her remarkable achievement included making it to the final of the 25m pistol after an impressive second-place finish in the qualification round.

Final Match Dynamics and Performance

Manu Bhaker started the 25m pistol final strongly, staying within medal contention throughout the event. The final featured intense competition, with each shooter required to complete three series of five shots in Stage 1 to accumulate points. A score exceeding 10.2 was necessary for each shot to contribute to the overall total.

Bhaker had a rocky start, with only 2 points in the opening series. However, she quickly improved, scoring consistently in subsequent series. After a series of solid performances, including a perfect score in the fifth series, Bhaker climbed into the top three. Her continued efforts in the sixth and seventh series tied her for third place with Hungary’s Veronika Major, who equaled the Olympic qualification record.

Shoot-Off for Bronze Medal

The final stages of the match were tense, with Bhaker and Major battling for the bronze medal. Despite Bhaker's strong showing, nerves affected her performance during the shoot-off. She managed only 2 points, while Major secured 4 points to claim third place. This close contest was a significant moment of disappointment for Bhaker, who had been a strong contender throughout the event.

Reflection and Future Outlook

After the final, Manu Bhaker expressed her disappointment at narrowly missing out on a medal but maintained a positive outlook for the future. Her achievements in Paris have been celebrated, and she will return home with two Olympic medals, joining a select group of Indian athletes like PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar, who have also won two medals in different Olympic Games.

Impact on Indian Shooting and Overall Performance

Bhaker's success in the 10m air pistol and mixed team events not only highlighted her individual talent but also had a motivational effect on the Indian shooting team. Her performances inspired fellow competitors, including Swapnil Kusale, who became the first Indian to win a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, securing a bronze medal. Overall, the Indian shooting team achieved three medals in Paris, a significant improvement from the 2020 and 2016 Olympics, where they did not win any shooting medals.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympics have marked a significant milestone in Manu Bhaker’s sporting career, despite the heartache of narrowly missing a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol final. Bhaker's performance throughout the Games was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her exceptional skill and unwavering determination. Her journey included winning two medals— a bronze in the 10m air pistol and another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event with Sarabjot Singh. These achievements make her the only Indian shooter to secure two medals in a single Olympics, highlighting her as a trailblazer in Indian shooting. The Indian contingent’s overall success in Paris, with Bhaker’s notable contributions, underscores a remarkable turnaround from previous Olympics where they fell short in shooting events. Bhaker's success not only reflects her personal excellence but also signals a promising future for Indian shooting on the global stage.