Overjoyed at their historic achievement, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh expressed their gratitude to the nation for their unwavering support after clinching yet another bronze in Paris Olympics. The duo clinched India's second medal at the Paris Olympics by securing bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, defeating South Korea's Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10. This victory marked a golden moment for Bhaker, as she became the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single Olympics. Her previous bronze in the women's 10m air pistol had initiated India's medal tally.
Manu Bhaker reacts after double bronze in Paris Olympics
This was India's first Olympic medal in a mixed team shooting event, bringing the country's total Olympic shooting medal count to six.
"I feel proud, and I feel a lot of gratitude that I was able to achieve it. It's just a blessing. Thank you so much for all the blessings and love," Manu Bhaker told JioCinema.
The Indian duo faced an early setback, trailing South Korea 0-2 after the first series. However, a determined Manu Bhaker rallied with a series of exceptional shots, propelling India to a commanding 10-4 lead. With the momentum in their favor, they maintained their composure to secure a 16-10 victory and claim the bronze medal.
Manu also revealed how she and Sarabjot handled pressure despite the early setback.
"We can't control it. We wanted to give our best. Before coming here, me and my partner decided to try our best and accept whatever came our way. We will try and give our best until the final shot," Manu added.
Manu Bhaker's Olympic journey has been one of remarkable resilience. Her debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games was marred by disappointment as she failed to reach the final in any of the three events she participated in. A malfunctioning gun added to her woes. However, she transformed her fortunes at the Paris Olympics, overcoming adversity to win two bronze medals for India.
After Tokyo I was very disappointed: Manu Bhaker
Manu also talked about her Tokyo heartbreak.
After Tokyo I was very disappointed. The way the event turned out for me was not very good. It took me a long time to overcome that. However, I came back stronger. So, what is now is what matters and the past should remain in past," Manu concluded.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
