Manu Bhaker opened India’s medal tally at the Paris Olympics 2024 when the 19-year-old bagged a bronze in the final of the women’s 10m air pistol event on Sunday. Bhaker, one of India’s biggest medal contenders, lived up to her reputation and became the first woman to win an Olympics medal in shooting. Her win ended India’s rut in shooting at the Olympics, after the country went without a medal at either Rio Games or the Tokyo Olympics in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
Manu, completing her redemption story, finished with a score of 221.7. This was after she had finished fourth in the qualification round yesterday. From the moment the 2nd day of the Olympics got underway, all eyes were on Bhaker. Despite PV Sindhu, Sreeja Akula and Nikhat Zareen notching up dominating wins, it was Manu, who gave India its moment under the sun as the national flag raised high. Three years ago in Tokyo, Manu was left shattered after her gun malfunctioned in the qualification and she failed to make it to the finals. It took Manu plenty of time to get over the disappointment, as per her own admission, but the reward for the patience and hard work was worth it.