In a historic moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics, 22-year-old Manu Bhaker etched her name in the annals of sporting history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. Bhaker's bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event is not just a personal triumph but a milestone in Indian sports, showcasing the nation's growing prowess on the global stage.

A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Bhaker, known for her exceptional talent and resilience, overcame a near miss in the Tokyo Olympics due to a pistol malfunction. She returned to the international spotlight with a vengeance, securing a hard-fought third place in Paris, finishing just a breath behind South Korea's Kim Yeji, who claimed silver. The gold was taken by another South Korean shooter, Oh Ye Jin, in a thrilling finale that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

Marking Milestones and Shattering Records

The nine-time World Cup medalist, now the fifth Indian to win a medal in shooting, demonstrated her prowess in the qualification round, ending third with a commendable score of 580. Bhaker's performance was highlighted by an impressive 27 perfect scores, the highest in the competition, solidifying her place in the final. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final in an individual shooting event in two decades. The last Indian woman to achieve this feat was Suma Shirur, who competed in the 10m air rifle at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Bhaker's qualification for the 10m air pistol final also represents a first for Indian women in any Olympic shooting event.

Legacy of Champions and Future Inspiration

Manu Bhaker's victory is a proud addition to India's Olympic medal tally, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. The last shooting medals were won in the 2012 London Olympics by Gagan Narang (bronze in men's 10m air rifle) and Vijay Kumar (silver in men's 25m rapid fire pistol). Narang, now serving as the Indian contingent's Chef De Mission at the Paris Olympics, must feel a sense of pride in Bhaker's accomplishment. Bhaker's historic win is not just a personal milestone but a source of inspiration for future generations of Indian athletes. Her unwavering dedication and the unprecedented success she has achieved will undoubtedly encourage young talents to follow in her footsteps, dreaming big and aiming for Olympic glory. Manu Bhaker's story is a testament to the bright future of Indian shooting and the unyielding spirit of its champions.