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On July 28, 2024, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to his social media handles to shower praise on India’s newest shooting star, Manu Bhaker. Tendulkar’s heartfelt congratulations came in the wake of Bhaker’s historic bronze medal win in the 10m air pistol women’s event at the Paris Olympics 2024. This victory not only marked Bhaker as the first Indian woman to secure a bronze in this event but also opened India’s medal account at the Paris Games.
Bhaker’s triumph is a significant milestone in Indian sports, ending a 12-year drought for an Olympic shooting medal. Before Bhaker, the last Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal was Abhinav Bindra, who secured gold in 2008. Bhaker’s achievement also places her among the elite group of Indian shooters, including Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang, who have achieved this feat.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Heartfelt Tribute to Manu Bhaker on Twitter
In his X post, Sachin Tendulkar expressed his admiration for Bhaker’s resilience and dedication. “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,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote.
Manu Bhaker, a Haryana native, had faced a challenging journey after a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she was expected to perform well but fell short of expectations. Her comeback in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. The 22-year-old shooter’s victory is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Indian shooting sports, rekindling hope and setting a new benchmark for future athletes.
Sachin Tendulkar’s praise highlights not only Bhaker’s success but also the broader narrative of Indian athletes overcoming setbacks to achieve greatness on the global stage. As India continues to make its mark at the Paris Olympics, Bhaker’s bronze medal serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of determination and the promise of Indian sports.
