India has claimed its first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, thanks to the exceptional performance of Manu Bhaker in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final. Bhaker secured the bronze medal in a fiercely contested final round.
Bhaker faced formidable competition from South Korean shooters Y.J. Oh and Y.J. Kim. Despite the intense pressure, Bhaker held her nerve, finishing with a score of 221.7 points. Y.J. Oh took the gold with 243.2 points, while Y.J. Kim claimed silver with 241.3 points.
Entering the final round, Bhaker carried forward the momentum from her third-place finish in the qualification round on Saturday. Her precision and consistency were evident throughout the event, culminating in her historic win as the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal in this category.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Bhaker, acknowledging her remarkable achievement. He posted on X, “Well done, Manu Bhaker, for winning India’s FIRST medal at #ParisOlympics2024! Congrats for the Bronze. This success is even more special as she becomes the 1st woman to win a medal in shooting for India.”
Nita Ambani, a member of the International Olympic Association (IOA), also praised Bhaker for her groundbreaking performance. “What an incredible moment! Our youngest woman shooter has opened India’s tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a bronze. Congratulations, Manu Bhaker! As the first Indian woman to win in the 10m air pistol at the Olympics and our youngest Indian shooter to do so, you’ve made history. I’m sure your success today will inspire young athletes across India to dream big and give it their all. Keep the Indian flag flying high. Go India Go make us all proud!”
Bhaker’s victory not only adds to India’s medal count but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially young women, in the country.
As the Olympics continue, Bhaker’s achievement sets a positive tone for the Indian contingent. Her bronze medal is a testament to her hard work and the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage. With this historic win, Bhaker has carved her name in the annals of Indian sports history, motivating her teammates and future generations to strive for excellence.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have just begun, and with Manu Bhaker’s stellar performance, hopes are high for more successes to follow. India’s athletes will look to build on this momentum and bring home more medals.
