Manu Bhaker Clinches India’s First Medal at Paris Olympics 2024: Bronze in 10m Air Pistol

Manu Bhaker has made history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.

This landmark achievement marks a significant moment in Indian sports, as Bhaker, at just 22 years old, overcame previous setbacks to make her mark on the global stage.

Close Competition and Medal Standings

In a tightly contested final, Bhaker was narrowly edged out by Kim Yeji of South Korea, who won the silver medal. Bhaker was only 0.1 points behind Kim when she was eliminated.

The gold medal was claimed by Oh Ye Jin, another South Korean shooter. Despite the close competition, Bhaker’s performance was remarkable, securing her place in Olympic history.

Overcoming Past Challenges

Manu Bhaker journey to the medal podium is particularly noteworthy given her previous experience at the Tokyo Olympics, where a malfunction with her pistol derailed her chances.

Her resilience and dedication were evident as she returned three years later to claim a bronze medal, making her only the fifth Indian shooter to achieve this feat.

Remarkable Qualification Performance

On the opening day of the Paris Olympics, Bhaker demonstrated her exceptional skills by finishing third in the women’s 10m air pistol qualification round with a score of 580.

She also achieved the highest number of Perfect Scores (27) in the qualification, which propelled her into the final. Her performance in the qualification rounds highlighted her consistency and prowess in the sport.

Breaking New Ground in Indian Shooting

Bhaker’s success extends beyond just winning a medal; she has also broken new ground for Indian shooters. She became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final in an individual shooting event in the last 20 years.

The last Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final was Suma Shirur, who competed in the 10m air rifle event at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

A Historic Achievement for Indian Women in Shooting

Before the Paris Olympics, no Indian woman shooter had won an Olympic medal. Bhaker’s bronze medal is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Indian women in shooting.

The previous medals won by Indian shooters came at the London 2012 Olympics, where Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar won medals in men’s events. Bhaker’s achievement marks a new chapter for Indian women in sports, showcasing their growing prominence on the international stage.