The Indian film industry is abuzz with joy and pride following ace shooter Manu Bhaker’s remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024. On Sunday, Bhaker clinched a bronze medal in the Women’s 10-metre Air Pistol final, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting.
Bhaker’s impressive performance, scoring 221.7 to secure third place, not only signifies a personal triumph but also represents India’s first medal of these Games. Her achievement is particularly significant given her redemption arc following a setback at the Tokyo Olympics, where a malfunctioning pistol affected her performance.
‘Dangal’ actor Fatima Sana Shaikh expressed immense pride in Bhaker’s accomplishment. “India is proud of her,” Fatima stated. “Any athlete who goes and competes at the world podium and still wins, it’s a huge moment of pride for us. The way athletes train and dedicate their life towards one sport is not easy. That is a different level of discipline. Every day you are only thinking about that one moment you have to go to the Olympics and do that shot in 30 seconds, with the whole world watching. I get goosebumps thinking about it.”
Several other celebrities have also celebrated Bhaker’s historic win. Stars such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Suniel Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, and Shilpa Shetty have extended their congratulations and praised Bhaker’s dedication and skill. Their support highlights the significance of Bhaker’s achievement and the inspiration she provides to aspiring athletes across the country.
At just 22 years old, Bhaker has achieved another landmark by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an individual shooting final in two decades. The last Indian woman to achieve this was Suma Shirur in 2004. Bhaker’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering focus on her goals.
In the Women’s 10 Metre Air Pistol final, South Korea’s Ye Jin set a new Olympic record with a score of 243.2 to win gold, while her compatriot Kim Yeji secured silver with 241.3 points. Bhaker’s impressive performance on the opening day, where she finished third in the qualification round, ensured her place in the final, despite another Indian shooter, Rhythm Sangwan, not advancing past the qualifiers.
Bhaker’s journey to this Olympic medal has been one of perseverance and hard work. Her early interest in shooting, combined with rigorous training and a supportive family, laid the foundation for her success. Despite facing challenges, including equipment malfunctions and intense competition, Bhaker has continually demonstrated her prowess and determination.
Bollywood’s recognition of Bhaker’s achievement underscores the importance of celebrating sports and athletes in India. It also highlights the growing intersection between the film industry and sports, as celebrities use their platforms to support and encourage national heroes.
As India celebrates this historic win, Bhaker’s success serves as a reminder of the potential within the country’s athletes and the importance of supporting and nurturing talent across all sports. With the Paris Olympics 2024 continuing, the nation eagerly anticipates more such moments of pride and joy.
