In a momentous achievement for Indian sports, Manu Bhaker ended India’s 12-year medal drought in Olympic shooting by securing a bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Games on Sunday. The 22-year-old shooter became the first female from India to clinch a medal in this event, marking a significant milestone in her career and for Indian shooting.
Manu Bhaker’s journey to this historic feat was not just about the medal but also about breaking barriers and setting new records. She became the first woman shooter from India to reach an Olympic final in an individual event in the last 20 years. The last Indian woman to achieve this was Suma Shirur, who made it to the final of the 10m air rifle event at the Athens Olympics in 2004.
Adding to her accolades, Manu Bhaker is also the first Indian woman to qualify for the 10m air pistol women’s final round at any Olympics. Her resilience and determination have not only brought glory to the nation but have also inspired countless young athletes across India.
Manu Bhaker’s bronze medal win is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of Indian sports, particularly in shooting. As she stood on the podium, she carried the hopes and dreams of a nation, setting the stage for future generations of shooters to aim high and achieve greatness on the global stage.
