India has secured its first medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, with Manu Bhaker winning a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol final. This victory not only marks the beginning of India’s medal tally at the Paris Games but also makes Bhaker the first female Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal.
The 22-year-old shooter displayed exceptional skill and composure throughout the competition, maintaining a top-three position for most of the event. Bhaker was in second place heading into the final shot, just 0.1 points ahead, but ultimately finished in third, clinching the bronze medal.
This historic win sets the stage for India to aim higher, with hopes of surpassing its previous record of seven medals from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Bhaker’s journey to the final was characterized by a strong performance in the qualifications, where she finished third with a score of 580. Despite a challenging day for the Indian shooting on July 27, Bhaker’s resilience shone through.
During the qualifications, Bhaker started strong with 97 points in the first series, placing her in fourth position. She maintained her form with another 97 in the second series, even as her compatriot Rhythm Sangwan slipped to 26th after a poor round. Bhaker moved up to second place after an excellent 98 in the third series. An 8 in the fifth series was her only significant misstep, but she still secured her place in the final. Hungarian shooter Veronika Major topped the qualification with a score of 582, while Sangwan finished 15th with a score of 573.
With this remarkable achievement, Manu Bhaker has not only opened India’s medal count but also set a powerful precedent for her fellow athletes. The nation now looks forward to more triumphs, driven by the inspiration from Bhaker’s success. As India aims to surpass its previous Olympic records, the journey ahead looks promising and full of potential.
Image source: Internet
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