"From Tokyo heartbreak to Paris promise" - Fans hail Manu Bhaker as she becomes the first female Indian shooter to bag an Olympic medal
Manu Bhaker scripted history on Sunday, July 28, as she emerged as the first female Indian shooter to secure an Olympic medal. She missed out on a silver medal by just 0.1 points as she settled for the bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event on Day 2 of the Paris Olympics 2024.
South Korean shooters Oh Ye Jin (243.2) and Kim Yeji (241.3) secured gold and silver medals, respectively. While Oh Ye Jin created the Olympic Record with a total of 243.2, Manu Bhaker scored a total of 221.7.
Fans on X hailed the Indian shooter for creating history and putting an end to the Olympic medal drought in shooting.
“From Tokyo heartbreak to Paris promise: It’s time for Manu Bhaker’s redemption! First Medallist at Paris Olympics,” an elated fan wrote on X.
“Wake up homies, Manu Bhaker just opened India's medal tally at the Paris Olympics 2024!! Bronze it is,” another tweet read.
“The barest of margins 💔 You made us proud, Manu Bhaker,” wrote a user.
“Weapon failure in Tokyo Olympics to Bronze Medal in Paris Olympics 💪The redemption of MANU BHAKER,” the redemption story of Manu Bhaker highlighted by a fan.
“22-year-old Manu Bhaker has got her redemption at Paris Olympics 2024 as she becomes the first women to win a medal in the women's 10m air pistol for India. She also broke the long medal drought for India in shooting which stood their since 2012. 16-year-old Manu Bhaker has got her redemption at Paris Olympics 2024 as she becomes the first women to win a medal in the women's 10m air pistol for India. She also broke the long medal drought for India in shooting which stood their since 2012,” a delighted user wrote.
“0.1! Oh the margins. Almost made it more, but a super impressive Bronze for Manu Bhaker. So much to be proud of. Congratulations,” a fan congratulated Manu.
Manu Bhaker’s redemption story
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Manu Bhaker suffered a pistol malfunction. As a result, she couldn't concentrate much and ended up not qualifying for the final. However, this time around, she put up an excellent show to end on the podium with a bronze medal.
Throughout the final, a calm Manu Bhaker dominated in the second and third positions. However, at the business end of the competition, she suffered a heartbreak, losing the silver medal by 0.1 points.