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Paris
Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, made history at the Paris Olympics by securing her second bronze medal, becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Olympic Games since independence. This achievement has significantly raised her profile, making her a highly sought-after figure for brand endorsements.
Bhaker previously garnered attention for being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, clinching bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event on Sunday. She followed this up with another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh on Tuesday.
Bhaker joined Norman Pritchard who was the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal when he won two silver medals in the 200m and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Paris Olympics
Manu Bhaker, an accomplished Indian shooter, has made a significant mark in the world of sports with her remarkable precision and composure under pressure. Born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, she ventured into shooting at the age of 14. Although Haryana is famed for its boxing and wrestling talents, Bhaker initially engaged in sports like tennis and skating before a spontaneous decision led her to try shooting.
Her rise in international shooting began swiftly, highlighted by a standout performance at the 2017 National Shooting Championships, where she set a new record of 242.3 points, surpassing established competitors, including Olympian Heena Sidhu.
Since that breakthrough, Bhaker has amassed numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and the ISSF Junior World Championships, solidifying her status as one of India’s premier shooters. Manu Bhaker’s Olympic journey exemplifies her remarkable resilience and dedication. After a disappointing experience at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where a pistol malfunction thwarted her chances for a medal, she intensified her training and honed her skills.
