Shooter Manu Bhaker has continued her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, further solidifying her place in Indian sports history. On July 28, Bhaker clinched a historic bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to achieve this feat. Her success didn’t stop there. Just two days later, Bhaker secured another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, making her the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.
In a recent interview with Sportstar, Bhaker shared her admiration for other Indian sports stars, recounting an anecdote from her past. “I have always known the greats in Indian sports history. In my time, I have always known (PV) Sindhu and Neeraj (Chopra). I have always appreciated them for their hard work. There was this one time when I made a fake profile to defend Sindhu. Some haters commented and I got so triggered that I made a fake account to defend her on that,” Bhaker revealed.
#Paris2024 | @realmanubhaker reveals she made a fake online profile to defend @Pvsindhu1 from trolls.
Her message to upcoming athletes: Stay true to yourself, be confident! #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/sqtyGnGwHz
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 30, 2024
The revelation sparked a warm response from Sindhu on social media. Reacting on X, Sindhu wrote: “Haha what a sweetheart!!! Welcome to the 2 Olympic medal club Manu!! Way to go.”
Haha what a sweetheart!!!
Welcome to the 2 Olympic medal club Manu!! Way to go 💪 ❤️@realmanubhaker https://t.co/B8uY1kF0PH
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) July 30, 2024
Bhaker’s historic achievements have set a new benchmark for Indian athletes. In the 10m air pistol mixed team event, Bhaker, alongside Sarabjot Singh, delivered an impressive performance. They secured the bronze by defeating the Korean pair of Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin with a score of 16-10. This victory was particularly sweet for Bhaker, coming after a challenging debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where technical issues with her pistol had led to a disappointing outcome.
Reflecting on her performance, Bhaker emphasized the importance of staying focused under pressure. “We can’t control what the rivals will do; we can only do what is in our hands. My partner and I thought, let’s just try our best and we will keep fighting till the end,” she said.
Sarabjot Singh, who also played a crucial role in the mixed team event, had faced his own set of challenges. He had finished ninth in the men’s 10m air pistol event earlier in the Games. “I’m feeling good; the game was very tough and there was a lot of pressure. I am very happy,” said Singh, who hails from a farming family in Ambala.
Bhaker’s story is one of perseverance and triumph. Her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics not only highlights her skill and dedication but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country. With the 25m sports pistol event qualifying rounds approaching on August 2, Bhaker remains a strong contender for yet another podium finish.
As Bhaker and Singh continue to make their mark, their achievements underscore a historic moment for Indian sports, marking a new chapter in the country’s Olympic journey.
