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Manu Bhaker etched her name in Indian sporting history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. The 22-year-old secured a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024 on July 28. This historic achievement marked India's first medal at the Games and ended a drought in Olympic shooting after the country returned empty-handed from the previous two editions. The heartwarming reaction of Bhaker's grandmother to her granddaughter's triumph has since gone viral on social media.
A Close Contest
Bhaker displayed remarkable composure throughout the final. She initially held second place after the first 5-shot series with a score of 50.4 points. However, she slipped to third following the second series, accumulating 100.3 points. Despite the setback, Bhaker fought back, firing a 10.5 in her first individual shot. With 13 shots completed, she was just 0.7 points behind the leader and a mere 0.1 points separated her from silver medalist Kim Ye-ji. Ultimately, South Korea dominated the podium, with Oh Ye Jin claiming gold and Kim Ye-ji securing silver.
Manu Bhaker's grandmother's joyful reaction
Social media erupted with congratulatory messages for Manu Bhaker after her historic bronze medal win. Her grandmother's joyful reaction quickly became a viral sensation.
"I bless her. She has done a great job. We will all welcome her once she is here. I will prepare a special food for her and will welcome her with golden chain," Bhaker’s grandmother said while talking to ANI.
Meanwhile, after the match, Bhaker revealed that how she overcame Tokyo Olympics disappointment into Paris Olympics glory. Bhaker's Tokyo campaign had ended in tears after her pistol malfunctioned during the qualification of the same event.
"After Tokyo I was very disappointed and it took me a very long time to overcome that. Frankly speaking, I really can't explain how good I am feeling today," Bhaker told Paris Olympics broadcasters after the match.
"I was reading where Sri Krishna tells Arjun to focus on his dharma and let the rest take care of itself. I did that. I have the whole of the next day to worry about results" she added.
The Olympic medallist shooter also revealed she read the Bhagwat Gita and left everything to god because nobody can fight destiny.
"I was fighting with all the energy I have. Really grateful that I could win the bronze. I read Bhagwat Gita and always tried to do what I am supposed to do, left everything else to god. We can't fight destiny," added the world champion in 25m pistol event.
Earlier, Manu Bhaker kicked off her Olympic campaign with a strong performance. She secured the third position in the women's 10m air pistol qualification round on the first day of the Paris Olympics, scoring 580 points. Her exceptional accuracy was evident as she recorded the highest number of perfect scores (27), earning her a spot in the final.
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