Manu Bhaker Makes History: Two Olympic Medals in One Edition
Image: Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh
Image courtesy: reddif.com
Manu Bhaker became the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Games, a significant milestone in Indian sports.
Alongside Sarabjot Singh, she clinched the bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Let's explore their journey, the challenges they overcame, and the broader implications of their accomplishments for Indian sports.
Introduction
Manu Bhaker, a young and talented shooter, has created history by securing two Olympic medals in one edition of the Games.
Teaming up with Sarabjot Singh, they earned a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This accomplishment not only underscores their talent and perseverance but also marks a significant achievement for Indian athletes on the global stage.
The Bronze-Winning Performance
Image: Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh
Image courtesy: NDTV Sports
On a calm Tuesday at the Chateauroux shooting range, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh displayed exceptional composure and precision.
They faced the Korean duo of Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin, securing a decisive 16-10 victory. This win added a second medal to India’s tally at these Games. Bhaker's earlier success came in the women's 10m air pistol event, where she also won a bronze medal.
Redemption for Bhaker and Sarabjot
For Manu Bhaker, this success was particularly sweet after a disappointing debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
There, her performance was marred by a malfunctioning pistol, leaving her in tears and without a medal. This time, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and focus, shedding the past disappointment to achieve new heights.
Sarabjot Singh also had his moment of redemption. Just days before the mixed team event, he missed the finals in the men's 10m air pistol competition by a narrow margin, finishing ninth. This bronze medal served as a vindication of his skills and determination, showing that he could rise above setbacks.
The Journey to Victory
The match began on a tense note, with Sarabjot's first shot scoring a modest 8.6, while Bhaker managed a steady 10.2. This gave the Korean team an early lead.
However, Bhaker’s consistency soon became the backbone of the Indian duo's performance. Her scores were consistently high, with only three shots below 10 throughout the match, allowing them to recover and dominate the contest. They turned a 0-2 deficit into an 8-2 lead, eventually winning the bronze medal with a score of 16-10.
Historical Context
Manu Bhaker's double medal feat places her among India's most successful Olympians. Before her, the only other athlete to achieve multiple medals in a single Games was Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals in the 1900 Olympics, during the British colonial period.
Bhaker's achievements are a significant milestone for modern Indian sports, showcasing the country's growing prowess in international competitions.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Bhaker is set to compete in the 25m women's pistol event on August 2. Given her impressive track record, including gold medals at the 2023 World Championships and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, she is a strong contender for another medal.
Her extensive list of accolades also includes nine World Cup gold medals, highlighting her consistent performance on the international stage.
Sarabjot Singh, who comes from a farming background in Ambala, has also made significant strides in his shooting career.
He has already secured gold medals in major international competitions, including the World Championships, World Cup, and Asian Games. His recent success at the Olympics adds another highlight to his growing list of achievements.
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh's success at the Olympics is not just a testament to their individual talents but also a reflection of the progress Indian sports have made.
Their journey, marked by resilience and determination, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes in the country.
As they continue to compete, they are likely to bring further glory to India, solidifying their place among the nation's sporting legends.
Their achievements also signify a broader narrative of growth and excellence in Indian sports, paving the way for future athletes to follow in their footsteps.