In a triumphant return after her disappointing exit from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Manu Bhaker secured India’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker’s score of 221.7 points placed her just 0.1 points behind the silver medallist, Oh Yejin of South Korea, with Kim Yeji, also from South Korea, taking gold.
Reflecting on her victory, Bhaker described the experience as “surreal” and emphasized that India deserves many more medals, acknowledging the immense effort required to achieve such success. “India deserves many more medals. As many as possible. It takes a lot of effort,” she said.
Bhaker’s journey to this podium finish was marked by determination and resilience, especially following the technical issues that led to her early exit in Tokyo. “In the last shot, I was fighting with all the energy I had. Maybe I can get better in the next event. After Tokyo, I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to get over that,” Bhaker shared.
Expressing her gratitude, Bhaker thanked her supporters, including friends, relatives, well-wishers, sponsors, and coaches. “Thank you so much for sticking by me. It is for them that I am standing here strong. Every single time I am putting so much effort and you all made my life so easy. I would like to thank my sponsors OGQ and my coaches.”
Looking ahead, Bhaker will be competing in the Mixed Team 10m air pistol and 25m sports pistol events, aiming to add more medals to her tally and continue her journey of success at the Olympics.
