Paris Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker doesn’t like to settle for second best, let alone third. But Sunday was an exception and as she spoke, delight mingled with relief after the pistol ace exorcised her Tokyo Olympic demons with a historic bronze medal in the ongoing edition of the Games. Unwavering in her determination, which complements her incredible skills, the 22-year-old Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze in the 10m air pistol event here.
Bhaker scripted history at the Paris Olympics as she won India’s first medal at the 33rd Summer Games. Manu’s position varied between second and third but she kept her contention and medal chances strong and ended up clinching the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The Indian shooter who hails from Haryana is only the second athlete in the Pistol shooting discipline after Vijay Kumar to win a medal at the Olympics. Before Bhaker, the last time India clinched a medal was in 2012 London Olympics.
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Celebrations At Manu Bhaker’s Home
“After Tokyo, I was very disappointed. It took me a long time to get over that. So really grateful that I could win bronze, maybe (it will be) better next time. India deserves many more medals. As many as possible. The feeling is really surreal, it takes a lot of effort. I feel great. This medal was long due for India. It feels surreal. The triumph opened the country’s account in the Paris Games and ended a 12-year wait for its much-hyped shooters. “In the last shot, I was fighting with all the energy I had. Maybe I can get better in the next (event). Mental toughness is one area where Bhaker has worked a lot over the years, with plenty of help also coming from her coach Jaspal Rana. I read a lot of Bhagwat Gita, and tried to do just what I am supposed to do and left everything else to God. We can’t fight destiny, you can’t control the outcome. You can only keep trying and keep giving your best”, said Bhaker.
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Bhaker Overcomes The Heartbreak Of Tokyo Olympics
But, it is has not come easy for the lively markswoman from Jhajjar in Haryana. A pistol malfunction in the qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 had reduced Bhaker to tears. But, over the past two days, she put up an effort that is expected of an athlete who has won many medals on the international stage. It was a close final and she was also in with a chance to win silver at one stage.
Bhaker said when asked how she coped with the disappointment in Tokyo. About the biggest win of her magnificent career, the nine-time World Cup medallist added, “I really can’t explain how good I am feeling. I was fighting with all the energy the I have.” She qualified for the final after shooting 580 while giving enough indications that she has set her sights on a podium finish this time.
(With PTI Inputs)
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