Paris Olympics 2024: In a rollercoaster of emotions at the Paris Olympics, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker came agonizingly close to achieving a historic hat-trick of bronze medals. Competing in the women’s 25m pistol event, Bhaker’s journey ended in heartbreak as she finished fourth, missing the podium by the narrowest of margins.
Let’s have a look into more details: Paris Olympics 2024 – Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, already a two time bronze medalist at the Paris Games, was on the brink of adding a third to her collection. Despite a shaky start in Stage 1, where she managed only two hits in the first series, Bhaker showed her resilience by recovering well in subsequent stages. Her performance in Stage 2 was particularly impressive, as she climbed to the second spot. However, a couple of untimely misses in the final stages saw her drop to fourth place, tied with Hungary’s Veronika Major, but losing out in a tense shoot off.
The Final
The high quality final witnessed Bhaker briefly taking the top spot among eight competitors. However, consistency proved elusive as she ultimately found herself in a tie for third after the eighth series. In the nerve-wracking shoot off, Bhaker managed three hits out of five, but Major’s four hits sealed the bronze, leaving Bhaker just outside the medal bracket.
A Bittersweet Reflection
Despite the disappointment, Bhaker remains proud of her overall performance. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the support from her family, coach Jaspal Rana, and various sports bodies. “Winning two bronze medals is a dream come true,” she shared, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of her campaign’s end. Bhaker’s two medals in Paris make her the first Indian shooter to win multiple medals in a single Olympic edition.
A Promising Future
At just 22 years old, Bhaker’s resolve and talent promise a bright future. She is already looking ahead to the next Olympics, aiming to build on her Paris experience. “There’s always a next time, so I’m already looking forward to the next one in LA,” she stated, emphasizing her determination to come back stronger.
Bhaker’s performance in Paris marks a significant redemption from her Tokyo Olympics outing, where she failed to reach the finals in any of her events. Her achievements in Paris not only ended India’s 12 year shooting medal drought but also established her as one of India’s greatest Olympians.
While Manu Bhaker’s quest for a hat-trick of bronze medals ended in heartbreak, her journey in Paris is nothing short of inspiring. With two bronze medals and a fourth place finish, she has etched her name in Indian Olympic history. As Bhaker sets her sights on future competitions, her resilience and spirit continue to inspire a nation.
Read more: Paris 2024 Olympics: BCCI Pledges Rs 8.5 Crore to Support Indian Athletes at Paris 2024 Olympics
FAQ
Who is Manu Bhaker?
Manu Bhaker is an Indian sport shooter born on February 18, 2002. She has gained significant recognition for her achievements in shooting sports, particularly in pistol events. Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She is known for her remarkable performances and has been a prominent figure in Indian sports, aiming for further success in future Olympic events.
