On Wednesday, Manu Bhaker, India’s star pistol shooter responsible for making history at the Games in Paris became the first Indian in post-independence to earn two medals in same Olympic edition.
In spite of drizzles that fell early morning, about a hundred people were at the Indira Gandhi International Airport when Bhaker’s Air India flight from Paris landed.
Her flight (AI 142) was delayed by about an hour and it arrived around 9:20 am. In addition to sports fans, her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha; officials from neighboring states; and Rana Jaspal, her personal coach were present amidst others who turned up at the airport. There was drum-beating, singing, dancing by people as well as banners with pictures of Bhaker and Rana.
At 22 years old, Manu Bhaker took bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and in the 10m air pistol mix team event with Sarabjot Singh. These are a significant achievement as she became only the second Indian athlete ever to win two Olympic medals during one Games since Norman Pritchard secured double silver medals for Great Britain in Athens 1900. The latter’s achievements were before India got independence.
However, her triumphant return will be short-lived as she is expected back in Paris on Saturday. On Sunday at Closing Ceremony of Paris Olympics, Manu will carry the flag for female athletes representing India .
