Manu Bhaker narrowly missed clenching her third Olympic medal as she finished fourth in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite the close finish, Bhaker’s achievements remain a significant milestone in Indian sports history.
At just 22 years old, the shooter from Haryana’s Jhajjar district has already secured her place as one of the world’s top shooters. Bhaker is the only Indian woman to have qualified for three shooting finals at the Summer Olympics, a testament to her exceptional skill and perseverance.
In the highly competitive 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event, Bhaker’s performance was marked by a dramatic shootoff in the finale, which ultimately led to her elimination. Nevertheless, her accomplishments are noteworthy as she leaves the Paris Games as only the third Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals.
Bhaker’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been characterized by relentless training and dedication. She broke India’s 12-year medal drought in shooting at the Tokyo Games and has continued to excel. Her training regimen, guided by Coach Jaspal Rana, included the unique practice of donating to the needy whenever she faced setbacks.
Reflecting on her success, Bhaker has spoken about her belief in the teachings of Lord Krishna and how her rigorous preparation and mental fortitude have been crucial to her achievements. Despite the heartbreak of narrowly missing a third medal, her performance in Paris solidifies her status as a top contender in international shooting sports.
