India's First Female Shooting Medalist
In a groundbreaking performance, Manu Bhaker secured a Bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol final at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, July 28. This historic victory at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre marked Bhaker as the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal, a significant milestone for the 22-year-old from Haryana and for India's shooting sports history. Her triumph comes three years after the disappointments of the Tokyo Olympics, fulfilling her long-held dream and bringing pride to the nation.
Manu Bhaker's Bronze medal also ended India's 12-year wait for an Olympic shooting medal, joining the prestigious ranks of Indian shooters like Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang. The young shooter demonstrated remarkable skill and consistency, maintaining her position within the top three throughout the intensely competitive eight-woman final.
A Gritty Performance Under Pressure
The final round saw Manu Bhaker exhibit unwavering confidence and precision. Despite the pressure, she managed to smile for the cameras, much to the delight of the Indian spectators. Bhaker started strong, scoring 50.4 in the first series of five shots, with three shots exceeding a score of 10. She continued her impressive form, accumulating 100.3 points in the second series, ensuring her place in the top three throughout the competition.
Korea's Oh Ye Jin clinched the Gold with a new Olympic record of 243.2, while her compatriot Kim Yeji took Silver with a score of 241.3. Bhaker and Kim Yeji competed fiercely for the second spot in the final elimination round. Bhaker showcased her resilience by shooting 10.1 and 10.3 in her last two shots, but despite Kim’s slightly lower scores of 9.7 and 9.8, she managed to secure the Silver, leaving Bhaker with the Bronze.
Redemption from Tokyo Heartbreak
Manu Bhaker's journey to this Olympic medal is a story of resilience and redemption. In Tokyo, Bhaker faced numerous setbacks, including a pistol malfunction during the 10m air pistol qualification event, significantly impacting her performance. Despite competing in three events, she did not qualify for any finals, leading to a period of disillusionment where she considered quitting the sport.
However, Bhaker found her passion for shooting again, and her form improved significantly in the lead-up to the Paris Games. Her coach, Jaspal Rana, played a crucial role in this resurgence, providing unwavering support and confidence in her abilities. This renewed focus and determination were evident as Bhaker finished third in the qualification round, demonstrating her experience and composure under pressure.
Manu Bhaker's Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics is a personal triumph and a landmark achievement for Indian sports. Her story of overcoming adversity and her historic win will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Indian shooters.
Inputs by Agencies
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