Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in 10m Air Pistol Shooting at Paris Olympics
Manu Bhaker opened India's account at the Paris Olympics with a historic bronze in the 10m air pistol event, becoming India's first woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. Her performance not only marked a significant milestone for Indian shooting but also demonstrated her resilience and determination, overcoming past setbacks to shine on the world's biggest stage.
From Tokyo Heartbreak to Paris Triumph
Three years can do a lot to your confidence. A pistol malfunction in the qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 had reduced Bhaker to tears, but this time around, she was an entirely different shooter. From contemplating retirement after heartbreak at the Tokyo Games to winning a historic bronze in Paris, Manu became the latest example of redemption in sports.
"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 said.
A Journey of Grit and Determination
Manu, who became the third Indian woman to enter the final rounds of an individual shooting event at the Olympics by finishing third with 580 in the qualification rounds, shot 221.7 to finish third in the final to claim the bronze medal. She was in the running for the silver medal with a 0.1-point lead over South Korea's Kim Yeji, but in the last shot, the Indian registered a 10.3 while the Korean replied with a 10.5 to march ahead with the silver medal. South Korea's Oh Ye Jin broke the Olympic record to take the gold medal, finishing with a total of 243.2, bettering the previous record of 240.3 by Vitalina Batsarashkina.
The 'Herstory' of Manu Bhaker's Olympic Medal
Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana – a state renowned for its sporting prowess – Bhaker displayed a natural affinity for athletics from a young age. Involved in tennis, skating, boxing, and the martial arts of thang ta, she garnered national recognition in these disciplines.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2016 when, inspired by the Rio Olympics, 14-year-old Manu discovered a passion for shooting. Within a week, she convinced her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, to purchase a sports pistol, marking the inception of her remarkable journey.
Manu's meteoric rise began in 2017 when she stunned the nation by defeating Olympian Heena Sidhu to clinch the national shooting championship title with a record-breaking score of 242.3 in the 10m Air Pistol final.
Subsequent Triumphs and International Recognition
Subsequent triumphs included a silver medal at the Asian Junior Championships and a consistent display of exceptional talent on the international stage. At the 2018 Asian Games, she set a Games Record of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m Air Pistol event but narrowly missed a medal, securing sixth place.
Manu's star shone brightly at the 2018 Youth Olympics where she clinched gold in the women's 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian shooter and female athlete to achieve this feat. Guided by coach Jaspal Rana, she further cemented her dominance by securing the top spot in the Olympic Selection Trials T4 10m air pistol final, outshining Asian Games champion Palak by a substantial margin of 4.4 points.
The Role of Bhagavad Gita in Manu's Success
Manu Bhaker's journey to Olympic success is not only a testament to her physical and mental strength but also to her spiritual resilience. The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, played a crucial role in her mental preparation. The teachings of the Gita helped her stay focused, maintain her composure, and approach each challenge with a calm and positive mindset.
In interviews, Manu has often spoken about how the Bhagavad Gita inspired her. She emphasized the importance of remaining detached from the results of one's actions, a key principle in the Gita, which helped her handle the pressure and expectations at the Olympics.
Manu Bhaker's Legacy and Future Prospects
Manu Bhaker's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics is a landmark achievement for Indian sports, especially for women in shooting. It has inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams despite setbacks and challenges.
Looking ahead, Manu's journey is far from over. With her talent, dedication, and the support of her coaches and family, she is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of shooting. Her story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, the right mindset, and spiritual guidance, anything is possible.