Paris: In an electrifying atmosphere at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, India’s ace shooter Manu Bhaker etched her name in Olympic history as she clinched the bronze medal in the women’s air pistol final, breaking a 12-year medal drought for India in shooting and becoming the first Indian woman to ever achieve this feat at the Olympics.
From the outset, Manu’s performance radiated brilliance. Securing the third spot in the qualification round, she set the stage for a dramatic final. Her precision and poise turned the competition into a spectacle, as she fired back-to-back 10s, crossing the critical 200-point threshold, and thrilling the crowd.
In the event’s climax, Manu’s solid 10.1 shot momentarily placed her in second position, only to be narrowly edged out by South Korea’s Kim Yeji with a 10.5. The razor-thin margin of 0.1 points underscored the high stakes and fierce competition of the Olympic arena.
Despite the close call, Manu’s composure and determination shone through, securing a total score of 221.7 and earning the bronze medal.
This monumental achievement is not just a personal victory for Manu but a historic moment for India. She is the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach the final of an Olympic shooting event and the first to claim a medal. Her journey, marked by relentless hard work and indomitable spirit, stands as a beacon of inspiration.
Manu’s triumph heralds a new dawn for Indian shooting. The momentum continues with Arjun Babuta qualifying for the men’s 10m air rifle shooting final, hinting at more potential glory for India.
As Day 2 of the Paris Olympics unfolds, the spirit of competition and hope is palpable. Manu’s historic win has not only opened India’s medal account but has also ignited a spark of inspiration across the nation. Athletes and fans alike are buoyed by this early success, eagerly anticipating more podium finishes as the Games progress. UNI
