Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has made the nation proud by clinching the first medal for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bhaker secured a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination on the world stage.
The 22-year-old shooter from Haryana, who has been a prominent figure in Indian shooting, delivered a stellar performance at the National Shooting Centre in Châteauroux, France
Manu Bhaker, then 19 years old, had tears in her eyes during the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. She was overwhelmed by expectations and did not make it to the finals. The hype of becoming the shooting prodigy who would take over the world had weighed her down. She was crushed by defeat. But she recovered quickly, and now she is back to prove why she will be queen for a time.
She won the bronze in the 10-meter air pistol and became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. South Korea received the silver and gold.
The news of Bhaker's bronze medal has been met with widespread celebration across India. Social media platforms are flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, fellow athletes, and political leaders. The Indian Prime Minister, in a tweet, congratulated Bhaker, calling her an inspiration for the youth of the country.
Looking ahead, Bhaker is set to participate in the mixed team events and other individual shooting categories, where she aims to add more medals to India's tally.
