From PM Modi to sporting icons, India rejoice Manu Bhaker’s historic Olympic medal | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Ace shooter Manu Bhaker etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by securing a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. Her remarkable feat was widely applauded throughout the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sports community leading the chorus of congratulations.
Bhaker’s unwavering determination and exceptional performance not only made her the first female shooter from India to win an Olympic medal but also ended a 12-year medal drought for the country’s highly regarded shooting contingent.Her achievement served as the inaugural entry on India’s medal tally at the Paris Games, PTI reported.

“A historic medal! Well done, @realmanubhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at #ParisOlympics2024! Congrats for the Bronze. This success is even more special as she becomes the 1st woman to win a medal in shooting for India. An incredible achievement!” PM Modi tweeted as people rejoiced by bursting crackers in parts of the country.

President Droupadi Murmu praised the achievement, stating that it will serve as a source of motivation for numerous athletes. This remarkable accomplishment comes precisely three years following a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Games.
“Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for opening India’s medal tally with her bronze medal in the 10 metre air pistol shooting event at the Paris Olympics,” she said.
“She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in a shooting competition. India is proud of Manu Bhaker. Her feat is going to inspire many sportspersons, especially women. I wish she scales greater heights of accomplishment in the future,” she added.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “A proud moment, @realmanubhaker wins Bharat’s first medal, a BRONZE in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at #ParisOlympic2024!.”
“Congratulations Manu, you have displayed your skill & dedication, you have become 1st woman shooter to win an Olympic medal!,” he added.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar conveyed his joy and admiration for Bhaker’s outstanding achievement in Paris. He praised her incredible resilience and determination to bounce back from the setback she faced during the Tokyo event.
“Off the mark in the medal tally and on the mark with the shooting! Congratulations, @realmanubhaker, on bagging India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics.
“After overcoming the heartbreak in Tokyo, you have shown immense strength & determination to win a bronze at #Paris2024, and made India proud,” Tendulkar tweeted.

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, praised the unwavering commitment and tireless effort of 22-year-old Bhaker, stating that her achievements are a testament to her dedication to her craft.
“Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker for clinching the bronze medal in the air pistol event at Paris 2024! Your relentless dedication, hard work, and passion have truly paid off,” Bindra wrote on X.
“It’s incredible to witness your skill and determination, bringing pride to India with each shot. This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Keep shining, Manu!,” he added.

Manu Bhaker, a native of Jhajjar, Haryana, displayed remarkable determination to secure the bronze medal with a score of 221.7. At just 22 years of age, her achievement is truly commendable.
Nita Ambani, a prominent sports administrator, described the moment as extraordinary, stating, “an incredible moment”.
“Our youngest woman shooter has opened India’s tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a bronze. Congratulations, Manu Bhaker! As the first Indian woman to win in the 10 m air pistol at the Olympics and our youngest Indian shooter to do so, you’ve made history,” Ambani said.

“I’m sure your success today will inspire young athletes across India to dream big and give it their all. Keep the Indian flag flying high. Go India Go make us all proud!” Ambani, an IOC member, added.
The pistol ace’s father Ramkishan said she reaped the rewards for her hard work.
“We are extremely happy and all of our friends are congratulating us. Her hard work has paid off, and Manu has finally done it,” he told PTI Videos.
“I thank you all for supporting her, and I hope you all will continue to bless her,” her mother Sumedha said.
Bhaker’s uncles were also among those present at her residence in Jhajjar to join the celebrations.
“I am very happy. I motivated her very much… I told her to respect elders and believe in herself. This is a very big achievement in Olympics,” said Pratap Singh, her uncle.
“She has my blessings,” her grandmother Daya Kaur said.
Bhaker’s uncle Baljeet Singh expressed, “We hoped for a gold medal but we are still happy. She is the youngest Indian woman to win a medal. She is very hard working. We hope in the remaining events, she will clinch gold medals.”