In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched India’s second bronze medal in the 10 metre Air Pistol Mixed Team match at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Day 4 of the event. This victory has not only added to India’s medal tally but has also etched Manu Bhaker’s name in history as the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.
Historic Achievement
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s dynamic partnership showcased exceptional teamwork and precision, earning applause from both home fans and the international audience. Their performance has further solidified India’s growing reputation in the shooting arena.
Upon winning the match, Bhaker expressed her pride and gratitude, stating, “I feel really proud and a lot of gratitude… It is just blessings. Thanks for all the blessings and love. We can only control what is in our hands. I had a chat with my father regarding this and decided we keep fighting till the last shot.”
Sarabjot Singh echoed her sentiments, saying, “It feels great. The game was tough, but glad we could do it.”
The Match Breakdown
After the third series, India was up 4–2, and in the fifth series, their advantage increased to 8–2. Despite a challenge from South Korea, who narrowed the score to 10-6 after the eighth series, the Indian pair kept their cool and secured a comfortable victory.
Individual Milestones
This bronze medal is Sarabjot’s first Olympic medal. Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker’s historic achievement of winning multiple medals at a single Olympic Games includes a previous bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking India’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bhaker has joined the elite ranks of just three other Indians—Norman Pritchard (athletics), Sushil Kumar (wrestling), and PV Sindhu (badminton)—who have won multiple medals for India at the Summer Games. Notably, Bhaker is the first Indian to achieve this feat in a single edition of the Olympics.
Qualification and Competition
In the qualification round for the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, Manu and Sarabjot secured third place with a total of 580 points and 20 perfect shots. They triumphed over the South Korean duo of Xue Li and Wonho Lee, who finished fourth with 579 points and 18 perfect shots, in the bronze medal match with a score of 16-8.
The Turkish pair of Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec, who matched the Olympic qualification record with 582 points, will compete against Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec from Serbia for the gold medal. Meanwhile, India’s Rhythm Sangwan and Arjun Singh Cheema finished 10th with a score of 576, missing out on a chance to contend for a medal.
Summing Up
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s bronze medal victory is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and exceptional talent. Their achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also inspires countless young athletes in India to pursue their dreams with determination and dedication. As the Paris Olympics 2024 continues, the nation eagerly awaits more such moments of glory.