Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting sensation, emerged as the standout performer of the country’s Paris 2024 Olympics campaign. The 22-year-old etched her name in history, bagging two bronze medals and narrowly missing a third. As the year concludes, it’s the perfect time to revisit her extraordinary journey and the milestones she achieved on the grandest stage of sports.
Bhaker’s Medal-Winning Moments
Manu Bhaker’s performance in Paris was nothing short of historic. She became the first Indian athlete post-independence to win multiple medals in a single Olympic edition. Her journey began with a stellar showing in the women’s 10m air pistol event, where she clinched a bronze medal with a remarkable score of 221.7 points.
- Event: Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final
Manu’s bronze marked a watershed moment, making her the first-ever Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. Facing fierce competition, she finished behind South Korea’s Oh Ye Jin (gold) and Kim Yeji (silver). - Mixed Team Success
In the 10m air pistol mixed team event, Bhaker paired with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze medal. The duo triumphed over Korea’s formidable team of Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho, delivering another proud moment for India.
Multiple Medals: A Rare Feat
Manu’s dual-medal haul put her in an elite club of Indian Olympians who have won multiple individual medals. Prior to her achievement, only two Indians, wrestler Sushil Kumar and shuttler PV Sindhu, had managed this feat post-independence. Manu’s name now stands alongside these legends, and her performance underscores the potential of young talent in Indian sports.
A Glance at India’s Multi-Medal Olympians:
| Athlete | Sport | Medals |
|---|---|---|
| Sushil Kumar | Wrestling | Gold (Beijing 2008), Silver (London 2012) |
| PV Sindhu | Badminton | Silver (Rio 2016), Bronze (Tokyo 2020) |
| Neeraj Chopra | Javelin Throw | Gold (Tokyo 2020), Silver (Paris 2024) |
| Manu Bhaker | Shooting | Bronze x2 (Paris 2024) |
Neeraj Chopra later joined this distinguished group with his silver medal in Paris, but Manu’s youth and versatility make her achievements particularly noteworthy.
The One That Got Away
While Manu dazzled in two events, she came agonizingly close to adding a third medal to her tally. In the women’s 25m pistol event, she finished fourth after a tense shoot-off against Hungary’s Veronica Major. Despite the disappointment, her fourth-place finish was a testament to her grit and determination.
Other Indian shooters who have experienced similar near-misses in Olympic finals include Joydeep Karmakar (London 2012), Abhinav Bindra (Rio 2016), and Arjun Babuta (Paris 2024). These performances often serve as crucial stepping stones for future successes.
Bhaker’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead
At just 22 years old, Manu Bhaker has already made a lasting impact on Indian sports. Her historic campaign in Paris not only brought joy to millions of Indians but also signaled a bright future for shooting as a discipline. With her composure, skill, and drive, she has inspired countless young athletes to dream big and aim high.
Manu’s journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic star showcases the depth of talent in India. The Paris Games have set the stage for what could be a remarkable career ahead. All eyes will now be on her as she prepares for upcoming international competitions, with hopes of more historic moments in the years to come.
