Manu Bhaker has scripted her name on the pages of Indian sports history by clinching the bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol shooting at the Paris Olympics. This gargantuan win distinguishes itself as the first-ever Olympic medal taken by an Indian woman shooter. Thus, her success is a reason for joy everywhere, and warm felicitations have poured in from the highest echelons of Indian leadership.
President and Prime Minister Wishes
President Draupadi Murmu said on Twitter that she felt proud about Bhaker’s historic win. She congratulated the shooter, having admired that through her achievement, Bhaker brought glory to the nation and would motivate many, especially women. Thus, the President’s tweet read, “Hearty congratulations to Manu Bhaker for bringing laurels to India by winning the bronze medal in the 10-meter air pistol shooting at the Paris Olympics.” She happens to be the first lady from India who has won an Olympic medal in shooting competition. India is proud about Manu Bhaker. More and more players will take inspiration from her, and many more so in the case of women.
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged to congratulate Bhaker. “Historic medal! Hearties congratulations to Manu Bhaker for winning the first medal for India in Paris Olympics 2024. Congratulations for the bronze medal. This success is even more special because she has become the first lady to win a medal in shooting for India,” he wrote on X.
Manu Bhaker Performance and Medal Count
Bhaker won bronze with 221.7 in the disturbed and intense final containing eight shooters. She lost silver by a hair’s breadth as she finished 0.1 points behind South Korea’s Yeji Kim, who scored 241.3. Kim’s compatriot Ye Jin Oh clinched the gold with an Olympic record score of 243.2. This is India’s first medal in shooting since the London 2012 Olympics, having returned empty-handed from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Local Celebrations and Family Reactions
Back home in Karnal, Haryana, Bhaker’s family and the entire community was basking in her glory as the news of her victory spread. Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini congratulated Bhaker, terming her achievement as great. At Bhaker’s home, her family beamed with pride over their daughter’s achievement. Her uncle, Mahendra Singh, said, “We are very happy. We were expecting a gold medal, but this is no mean achievement. We hope she will win a gold medal in the Olympics.”
Her uncle Baljeet Singh added, “That is a matter of pride for the whole country, as she has won the bronze medal in the Olympics. We were expecting a gold medal; now we are very happy. The whole village will welcome her.”.
Even grandmother and aunt expressed their jubilation and pride for the victory. “I bless her,” says her grandmother. “She has done a great job. When she comes here, we all will welcome her and cook special food for her.” Similar was the feeling expressed by aunt Nirmala Devi, who hoped to see more gold medals in the future.
That win in bronze that Manu Bhaker took home was not only so special to her personally, but it also gave a fillip to shooting sports in India. With her returning home, the celebrations and expectations from her future exploits go on unabated.
Punjab Police Joins in the Celebration
Punjab Police Tweeted, “History unfolds! Manu Bhaker wins India’s first medal at #ParisOlympics2024, clinching bronze in 10m Air Pistol Final! Her exceptional skill & determination make us proud! First Indian woman to medal in shooting, Manu is rewriting history! Congratulations @realmanubhaker “