From Tokyo Heartbreak To Historic Double Bronze At Paris Olympics, Journey Of Manu Bhaker Is A Testament To Her Resilience, Determination And Mental Strength

December 31, 2024: 2024 was a game-changing year for Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, as she made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two Olympic medals in shooting events, following in the footsteps of Norman Pritchard, who achieved the feat in 1900.

Bhaker’s journey at the Paris Olympics began with a remarkable performance in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. She secured a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal in this event. Her achievement marked a significant milestone not only for Bhaker but also for Indian shooting, as she etched her name in the annals of Olympic history.

But Bhaker wasn’t done yet. She followed up her individual success with another bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, where she teamed up with Sarabjot Singh. The duo displayed incredible consistency and composure, particularly in the bronze medal play-off, where they defeated the South Korean pair of Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin with a commanding score of 16-10. This victory marked India’s first-ever shooting team medal at the Olympics, adding another feather in Bhaker’s cap.

Despite coming very close to an unprecedented treble at the Paris Games, Bhaker narrowly missed out on a third medal. She finished fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event, just outside the podium positions. While disappointing, this performance was a testament to Bhaker’s ability to compete at the highest level, showcasing her skill and consistency in multiple shooting disciplines.

Bhaker’s performance in Paris was especially poignant given her struggles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In Tokyo, a pistol malfunction in the 25m pistol event denied her a shot at a medal, leaving her devastated and heartbroken. However, her resilience and determination to bounce back from that setback have been remarkable. Bhaker’s double bronze in Paris was a culmination of years of hard work, mental toughness, and a relentless drive to succeed.

She has now firmly established herself as India’s most successful woman shooter, with a career already decorated with gold medals from prestigious events like the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Youth Olympic Games.

Born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker’s journey to shooting was not linear. She initially pursued a variety of sports, including tennis, skating, and boxing. She even excelled in ‘thang ta’, a traditional form of martial arts, winning national-level medals before eventually dedicating herself to shooting. This diverse sporting background helped her develop a unique combination of focus, precision, and mental resilience, which has been key to her success.

Bhaker’s achievements were part of India’s impressive overall performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the country secured a total of six medals—one silver and five bronze.

India’s strong showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores the country’s growing presence in a diverse range of sports, setting a promising precedent for future Olympic Games. The performance of athletes like Manu Bhaker in shooting, along with strong results in hockey, wrestling, and javelin, highlights the depth and talent in India’s sporting landscape.

Bhaker’s double bronze in Paris has not only solidified her legacy as a champion shooter but also inspired a new generation of athletes in India. Her journey from the heartbreak of Tokyo to the triumphs of Paris is a story of resilience, hard work, and the power of never giving up, making her one of India’s most celebrated sports figures.