In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal for India in the Mixed 10M Air Pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday. This victory marks an impressive achievement for both shooters and highlights India’s growing strength in the sport.
Manu Bhaker: Making History
Manu Bhaker has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian post-independence to win two medals in a single Olympic Games. Her first medal at these Olympics came in the Women’s 10M Air Pistol event, where she also secured a bronze. This double medal feat underscores her exceptional talent and dedication to shooting.
Manu Bhaker’s journey in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. The 22-year-old shooter from Haryana has a track record of performing under pressure, as evidenced by her consistently high scores in the 10-point range during the Mixed 10M Air Pistol event. Her resilience and focus have made her a prominent figure in Indian sports, inspiring many young athletes.
Sarabjot Singh: Rising Star of Shooting
Sarabjot Singh, who hails from Punjab, has shown tremendous promise in the shooting arena. His recent successes include a gold medal in the 10M Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Bhopal and Munich. These achievements have positioned him as a favorite within India’s shooting contingent at the Paris Olympics.
Sarabjot’s precision and consistency were pivotal in the Mixed 10M Air Pistol event. Despite a shaky start, he quickly found his rhythm alongside Bhaker. Their combined efforts and strategic shots led them to a 16-10 victory over the South Korean team in the bronze medal match.
The Path to Bronze Medal: A Tough Competition
The final match against South Korea was a nail-biting affair. The South Korean team, consisting of Lee Won-ho and Ye Jin-oh, put up a fierce fight. Ye’s precision shooting kept Korea in the game, narrowing India’s lead to 10-6 at one point. However, Bhaker and Singh maintained their composure under pressure, with Sarabjot’s final shot scoring a solid 10.2, clinching the bronze medal for India.
India’s Performance in the Olympics
India has sent its largest-ever shooting team to the Paris 2024 Olympics, with 21 members competing across various events. This record contingent reflects the country’s investment in and commitment to the sport. Historically, India has won four Olympic medals in shooting, with the latest addition by Bhaker and Singh bringing the tally to five.
The Indian shooting squad has shown considerable improvement from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where no medals were secured. This year, athletes like Bhaker and Singh are rewriting the narrative, bringing pride and recognition to Indian shooting on the global stage.
Another medal could be expected
Manu Bhaker is not resting on her laurels. She is now preparing for her third match in the Women’s 25M Air Pistol event. Given her current form and determination, she remains a strong contender for another medal. The nation watches with bated breath, hopeful for more success.
Inspiration for many others
The bronze medal win by Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker in the Mixed 10M Air Pistol event is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Their achievement not only adds to India’s medal tally but also inspires future generations of shooters. As India continues to rise in the global sports arena, the contributions of athletes like Bhaker and Singh will be remembered and celebrated.
