Indian shooter Manu Bhaker made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian to bag two medals for the country at the same Olympics post-Independence as she took her second bronze in 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.
This marks a landmark in her shooting career after she had already clinched a bronze medal in women’s 10m air pistol.
Earlier, during the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker faced her own challenges when her gun malfunctioned. She has however redeemed herself through good performances in Paris.
Reflecting on what has happened since Tokyo, Bhaker said, “I was very disappointed right after Tokyo and how things ended up for me were not very good. It took me quite some time to get over it. But I came back stronger and hence whatever is now is what matters most. Let’s leave the rest behind.”
Bhaker and Singh maintained their composure resulting into victory in the 10m air pistol mixed team event as they defeated Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin from Korea with scores of 16-10. This was India’s second medal at Chateauroux’s shooting range.
At her former occasion in that venue, she got third place finish in Women’s 10m air pistol thus putting away those bad memories of her debut at Olympic Arena in Tokyo 2020.
Two silver medals were secure by British-Indian athlete. Norman Pritchard before Bhaker both in 200m sprint and hurdles race during pre-independence era at 1900 Olympics.
Sarabjot Singh also found some form redemption having narrowly miss out on men’s 10 meters air pistol final. Where he finished ninth scoring 577 points .
“I am feeling proud; there is lot of gratitude,” said Bhaker after the match.
When asked about their strategy she said “Actually we cannot control. What our opponents will do we can only do what is possible for us. So we just thought let’s give it our best and we will fight till the end.”
Sarabjot Singh from Ambala, a farming family confessed that he felt under tremendous pressure. “I am feeling good; the game was very tough there was too much pressure. I am very happy.” Said 22 years old.
This historic achievement speaks volumes of Bhaker’s tenacity and constitutes a milestone in Indian sports most especially women’s sports in India with both young shooters having set their own standards thereby inspiring many in India because of their resolve and excellence.
