Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooter from Jhajjar, India, has redeemed herself with a stunning performance at the Paris Olympics. On Saturday, she advanced to the women’s 10m air pistol final, a significant achievement after her heartbreak in Tokyo three years ago.
Bhaker shot a remarkable score of 580, finishing third in the qualification round. This achievement makes her the first Indian female shooter in 20 years to reach an Olympic final in an individual event. The last to do so was Suma Shirur, who competed in the 10m air rifle final at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Bhaker is also the first Indian woman to ever qualify for the 10m air pistol women’s final at any Olympics.
Bhaker’s journey to the final was marked by poise and precision. Despite the intense pressure, she remained composed throughout the one-hour and fifteen-minute qualification session at the National Shooting Centre. This performance comes as a significant comeback after a malfunctioning pistol derailed her efforts at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, leaving her in tears.
Standing at a distance, Bhaker’s personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was visibly emotional, shedding tears of joy. He emphasized that while Bhaker’s performance was commendable, the real challenge lies in the final. “What happened today doesn’t matter anymore. Tomorrow is when it counts. We start afresh,” Rana told PTI. He also noted the heat in the shooting range and advised Bhaker to stay hydrated.
The conditions at the range were challenging, with the air conditioning not being very effective. Despite this, Bhaker maintained her focus and delivered a stellar performance. In contrast, 2016 Olympic champion Anna Korakaki, who was shooting next to Bhaker, struggled with a fever and had to retire midway through the session.
Bhaker’s qualification was marked by consistency and accuracy. She shot 27 inner 10s, the highest in the field of 44 competitors. Her early shots were strong, with seven 10s and three 9s in the opening series. She scored 97 in both the first and second series, maintaining her position in fourth place. Despite a single 8 in the fifth series, she remained in contention and ultimately secured her spot in the final.
A Day of Mixed Results for India
While Bhaker’s performance was a highlight, the day was less successful for other Indian shooters. The men’s 10m air pistol and 10m air rifle mixed team events saw no finalists from India. However, Bhaker’s brilliant display brings hope for an end to India’s shooting medal drought, which has lasted since the 2012 Olympics.
As Bhaker prepares for the final, the entire nation is rooting for her. Her journey from Tokyo’s heartbreak to Paris’s triumph showcases her resilience and determination. All eyes will be on her as she aims to bring home a much-awaited Olympic medal for India.
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