Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze, Ends 12-Year Olympic Drought for Indian Shooting

CHATEAUROUX (FRANCE): A resolute Manu Bhaker clinched a historic bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. This victory not only opened India’s medal account at the Paris Games but also ended a 12-year wait for a shooting medal.

Bhaker’s achievement marked a significant milestone for Indian shooting, which has been eagerly awaiting Olympic success since the London 2012 Games. Her bronze medal came after a tense and competitive final, where her precision and composure shone through.

The triumph was further sweetened by the performances of rifle shooters Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta. Both secured spots in the finals of the 10m air rifle women’s and men’s events respectively, boosting the morale of the Indian contingent and keeping hopes alive for additional medals.

The scene in Chateauroux, a picturesque location nearly 300 kilometers from Paris, was a stark contrast to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. During the Tokyo Games, only 10m air pistol shooter Saurabh Chaudhary reached the final among the 15 Indian shooters. Despite his initial success, Chaudhary faded from the spotlight in the years that followed.

In contrast, Bhaker’s bronze medal has reignited the spirit of Indian shooting, showcasing the resilience and talent of the country’s shooters on the global stage. Her victory is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Indian sports, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sports enthusiasts across the country celebrated Bhaker’s achievement, acknowledging the dedication and hard work that led to this historic moment. The Indian shooting team, buoyed by Bhaker’s success, now looks forward to continuing their medal quest in the upcoming events of the Paris Olympics.