Manu Bhaker Wins Bronze in Paris Olympics:
India's medal journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics begins with the stellar performance of star shooter Manu Bhaker. She clinched a bronze in the 10-meter air pistol event with a score of 221.7, making history as the first Indian woman to win any medal in shooting.
After winning the medal, Manu Bhaker mentioned the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in her statement. She also stated her devotion to Lord Krishna and how she focused on his teachings during the final moments to aim for the medal.
Bronze medallist Manu Bhaker shared that she reads the Gita every day. She also has strong faith in performing her duties and not worrying excessively about the future.
Also Read: The pistol let her down last time... but she mastered her destiny this time. Who is Manu Bhaker?
Lord Krishna's teachings were on my mind
Manu Bhaker said, 'I only focus on performing my best. I can't control my destiny.' Discussing the crucial moments of her medal win, Manu Bhaker added, 'Lord Krishna in the Gita advised Arjun to focus only on his work. That was all going through my mind.'
She further commented, 'The Tokyo Olympics was a disappointment for me, but the past is past. This medal is for all of us. It's always a team effort. I am just a medium to win this medal for India.'
The only Indian athlete to compete in multiple events
At the 2024 Paris Olympics shooting competition, 22-year-old Manu Bhaker is competing in the women's 10-meter air pistol, mixed team 10-meter air pistol, and women's 25-meter pistol events. She is the only athlete from the 21-member Indian shooting team to participate in multiple individual events.
Manu earned the Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India by finishing fifth in the women’s 25-meter pistol event at the 2023 Asian Shooting Championship. She is the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup and was a champion in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, setting a CWG record.
Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian shooter and the country's first female athlete to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in 2018. She also won the women's 25-meter team pistol title at the Asian Games last year.
