Paris Olympics 2024: 3 reasons Manu Bhaker can win gold for India
Manu Bhaker, the star of Indian shooting, is all set for the final rounds of the 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Having finished third in the qualification round on July 27, she has positioned herself as a strong contender for gold.
Bhaker is someone who needs no introduction; the now 22-year-old has made a significant mark in the sport at a very young age. She won her first international medal at just 15. At 16, she secured gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and went on to win a gold at the Youth Olympics a year later. She made her Olympic debut in 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Ahead of the 10m Air Pistol final, let us look at three reasons why Manu Bhaker can clinch gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
#3 Hungry for Tokyo Olympics Redemption
Manu Bhaker’s Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics did not go as planned. During the 10m Air Pistol qualification round, her pistol developed a snag, forcing her to step away from the competition to fix it. Despite her efforts to regain her rhythm, the interruption cost her crucial time and concentration, and despite her best efforts, she finished 12th, missing out on a place in the finals.
This setback has only fueled Bhakar’s determination. Forgetting the incidents from Tokyo, Bhaker is hungry for redemption and this outlook of hers will play a crucial role in her success in Paris.
Having faced the pressures of the Olympics before, she now knows what to expect and how to handle the high-stakes atmosphere of an Olympic Games, and this experience, coupled with her drive for redemption, puts her in a strong position to win gold.
#2 Performance in big tournaments
Manu Bhaker has a proven track record of excelling on the big stage. Her performances in top international shooting and multisport events showcase her ability to shine when it matters most.
At just 22, Manu Bhakar has amassed an impressive tally of 20 medals, including 16 golds in top international tournaments like the World Cup, Asian Games, Junior World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Youth Olympics.
The 10 m air pistol event, in particular, is one of her specialties. Manu has won 11 medals, including nine golds in the 10 m air pistol events at the World Cup. She has also clinched gold in the Youth Olympics and achieved a clean sweep with three golds at the 2021 Junior World Championships. Her exceptional performances in these top events are evidence of Bhakar’s potential to secure gold in Paris.
#1 Consistency in Qualifying Rounds of the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics
Manu Bhaker’s performance in the qualifying rounds of the 10 m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics has been nothing short of remarkable. She finished third, just two points behind Hungary’s Veronika Major in first and South Korea’s Oh Ye Jin in second (Major and Ye Jin were tied at 582 points).
Bhaker's consistency was also evident, with her lowest score in any series being 96 out of a possible 100. Starting strong with back-to-back scores of 97 in the first two series, followed by a 98 in the third series, Manu continued her momentum with three consecutive 96s in the last three series, bringing her total to an impressive 580.
She also shot a staggering 27 Xs, which were more than any other shooter in the qualification round. If Manu continues this incredible form, she stands a big chance of winning gold.