Despite a sloppy campaign so far, India has more reasons to smile, thanks to Bhaker
India has all the more reasons to smile as shooter Manu Bhaker became the first Indian Olympian since 1947 to win more than one medal for India in a single edition of the Olympic Games. India got off the mark in the Games with Manu's bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event on July 28. By achieving this feat, she became the first female Indian to win a medal in the shooting event, ending India's 12-year wait for a medal in the overall shooting event.
On July 30, Bhaker, along with Sarabjot Singh, clinched bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, giving India its second medal so far in the ongoing tournament. This achievement also helped Bhaker write history, as she became the first Indian to win more than one medal in a single Olympic edition since 1947.
MANU BHAKER HAS CREATED HISTORY 🤩
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 30, 2024
First Indian in Independent India history to win multiple medals at a single Olympic edition 🇮🇳♥️ pic.twitter.com/r7RooX5Uac
For the unversed souls, in the pre-independence era when India was under the British regime, Norman Pritchard had grabbed two silver medals in 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics.
Bhaker's victory holds special significance given that she had a disappointing campaign because of a malfunctioned gun that thwarted her chances in the 2020 Olympics.
THE HISTORIC MOMENT. 🇮🇳
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 30, 2024
- MANU BHAKER BECOMES THE FIRST INDIAN TO WIN 2 MEDALS IN 124 YEARS IN ONE OLYMPICS. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5eS2Uhg4Kc
Manu's historic achievement gives us an opportune moment to pen a few facts about the iconic shooter from Haryana.
The Indian state of Haryana is known for producing boxers and wrestlers, and when a young Bhaker opted for 'thang ta', a form of martial art, she was expected to become a professional in the mentioned field. She even grabbed numerous national medals, but a change of heart following the Rio Olympics 2016 saw her convince her father to give her a gun—a gun to take up shooting and become an Olympic athlete.
Bhaker made her debut in the 2017 national shooting championships, where she defeated Heena Sidhu, an established Olympian. With 242.3 points, she shattered Sidhu's record in the 10m Air Pistol finale.
A year later, Manu grabbed gold at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat at the Youth Olympics. Success followed Manu as she earned gold medals in both individual and mixed team events at the ISSF World Cup events.
Manu Bhaker struck 🥇 at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, showcasing exceptional talent and bringing glory to India!@WeAreTeamIndia | @realmanubhaker pic.twitter.com/nTZvFjdEqn
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) February 18, 2024
Not to forget, Manu displayed her prowess not only in the 10m event but also in the 25m Air Pistol event. At the 2018 Asian Games, Manu did not win a medal but scored 593 points in the qualification round, which turned out to be a game’s record.
Last but not least, here is a list of many firsts for Manu Bhaker: