Manu Bhaker’s Historic Paris Olympics: Dream & Bittersweet End

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting sensation from Haryana, has left an indelible mark at the Paris Olympics 2024. With a campaign that included two bronze medals and a near-miss at a third, Bhaker’s journey has been a blend of triumph and heartbreak. Reflecting on her performance, she described the experience as a ‘dream come true’ yet acknowledged the ‘bittersweet end’ to her Olympic adventure.

Historic Achievements

Manu Bhaker’s performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of historic. The young shooter not only secured two bronze medals but also became the first Indian to win multiple individual medals in a single Olympic edition since Independence. Her first bronze came in the 10m air pistol event, where she overcame the disappointment of Tokyo 2020, marking India’s reentry into Olympic shooting glory.

In collaboration with Sarabjot Singh, Manu doubled India’s joy by clinching another bronze in the 10m mixed team air pistol event. These achievements ended a 12-year shooting drought for India at the Olympics, positioning Bhaker as one of the country’s greatest Olympians.

A Bittersweet Finish

Despite her success, Bhaker’s campaign concluded with a ‘bittersweet end.’ On August 3, 2024, she narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, losing a shoot-off for bronze. This close call was a poignant reminder of the razor-thin margins that define Olympic success.

Acknowledging Support

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Manu Bhaker expressed her profound gratitude to those who supported her journey. “Winning 2 bronze medals is a dream come true. This achievement belongs to everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way,” she wrote. She particularly thanked her family, personal coach Jaspal Rana, and various stakeholders including the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Sports Authority of India (SAI), Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), Performax, and the Haryana government.

Reflection and Redemption

The Paris Olympics marked a significant redemption for Bhaker, who had faced criticism after the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she failed to advance to the finals in any of her events. Her performance in Paris, highlighted by two medal-winning events and three final appearances, showcased her resilience and skill, silencing critics and affirming her place among India’s shooting elite.

Manu Bhaker’s journey through the Paris Olympics has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. With her two bronze medals, she has proven her mettle and made significant contributions to Indian sports. As she returns home, her achievements not only mark personal success but also inspire future generations of Indian athletes.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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