NEW DELHI: In a remarkable feat, Manu Bhaker, representing India, achieved a historic milestone by claiming the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol final at the Paris Olympics. Following her podium finish, Bhaker drew inspiration from the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita and credited its profound impact on her performance throughout the event.
On Sunday, July 28, the 22-year-old shooter from Haryana showcased her exceptional skills, recording a score of 221.7 points in the final held at the prestigious Chateauroux Shooting Centre in the French capital. Initially, Bhaker faced some challenges in maintaining her position within the top three during the early rounds. However, displaying immense determination and skill, she staged an impressive comeback, ultimately securing the third spot on the podium, with Korean shooters finishing ahead of her.
In an interview with the broadcaster following her remarkable achievement, Bhaker expressed her gratitude for the inspiration she derived from the Bhagavad Gita. She revealed that throughout the final event, she kept the sacred verses close to her heart, finding solace and motivation in their wisdom. Bhaker further emphasised that as a nation, India deserves to win more medals, and she felt privileged to contribute her part in this pursuit of excellence.
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With a sense of elation and relief, Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooter, expressed her joy after clinching a long-awaited bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. The achievement holds special significance for Bhaker, as she believes it was a medal that India deserved. Reflecting on her performance, Bhaker attributed her success to staying focused on her responsibilities, while acknowledging that India deserves even more medals in the future.
In a heartfelt statement, Bhaker expressed her gratitude and exuded a sense of pride for being part of the Indian contingent. She emphasized the hard work put in by the entire team and shared her surreal feelings of accomplishment. Bhaker acknowledged the effort she had invested and highlighted her unwavering determination throughout the competition. While this bronze medal was a significant achievement, she remained hopeful for even better performances in the future.
Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhaker revealed that she had immersed herself in its teachings. Her state of mind during the competition was influenced by the philosophy of the Gita, which emphasizes focusing on one’s actions rather than fixating on the outcome. Bhaker recalled the words of Krishna, who advises Arjuna to concentrate on performing his duties without worrying about the results. This mantra resonated with Bhaker, guiding her to focus solely on executing her skills and leaving the rest to destiny.
The bronze medal victory marks a crucial comeback for Bhaker, who had endured heartbreak during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to equipment failure. In the 10m air pistol qualification round, Bhaker faced a setback when her pistol malfunctioned, significantly impacting her performance. The disappointment continued in the mixed team 10m pistol and 25m pistol events, where she fell short of expectations.
Know other achievements of Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old Indian shooter, has already made a name for herself in the sport and is widely celebrated for her remarkable achievements. Bhaker’s impressive resume boasts an impressive 15 gold medals across all levels, including nine gold medals at the World Cups.
Bhaker made her International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) World Cup debut at Guadalajara, Mexico, where she won a gold medal in the 10m air pistol final, defeating the likes of Olympic gold medalist Anna Korakaki and three-time World Cup medalist Celine Goberville. Bhaker’s remarkable performance in her debut at the World Cup demonstrated her exceptional shooting prowess and resilience under pressure.
In 2018, Bhaker became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games, further cementing her status as a rising star in the world of shooting. Her remarkable achievements at such a young age have earned her immense respect and admiration from fans and the shooting community alike.
On Sunday, 28th July, Bhaker achieved her goal of redemption by securing the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol final, making her the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting at the Olympics. Her remarkable accomplishment is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience, which has been a hallmark of her short but illustrious career.
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