Manu Bhaker made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, securing bronze in the 10m Air Pistol event at the Paris Games.
Her achievement ended India's 13-year wait for a shooting medal in the Olympics. As per news agency ANI, Bhaker become the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach an shooting final in an individual event of Olympics since Suma Shirur in 2004.
This was also the first medal India won at Paris Olympics. Bhaker brought India's first medal in the Paris Olympics as she won a bronze medal with a score of 221.7.
South Korea's Ye Jin clinched the gold medal with an Olympic record of 243.2 points. Her compatriot, Kim Yeji settled for silver with 241.3 points.
On the opening day, Bhaker finished third in the qualification round of Women's 10 Metre Air Pistol to qualify for the final at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Saturday. While Rhythm Sangwan failed to make her place in the final after finishing in 15th place.
Shooter Manu Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, told news agency ANI, "Two of her events are remaining, we hope she will win gold in them..."
Her uncle, Mahendra Singh, said, “We are very happy. We were expecting a gold medal, but this is not a small achievement. She will participate in the upcoming Olympics and we are hopeful she will win a gold medal.”
Meanwhile, Bhaker's grandmother blessed her and said, “She has done a great job. We will all welcome her once she is here. I will prepare a special food for her...”
The last time India won medals at the Olympics was in 2012 London edition when rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinched bronze. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it an "incredible achievement". This success is even more special as she becomes the 1st woman to win a medal in shooting for India."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X to congratulate Manu Bhaker. Our daughters have given us a wonderful start. Many more to come."
