Indian shooting stars Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have achieved a historic feat at the Paris Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Bhaker becomes the first Indian female athlete to win two medals in the same Olympics.
Earlier in the competition, Bhaker clinched a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event. Partnering with Singh, she showcased exceptional skill and composure to help India achieve its second medal of the Paris Games. In the mixed team event, Bhaker and Singh defeated South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin with a score of 16-10 to claim the bronze.
"You've done what no Indian shooting pair has done before": Sports fraternity lauds Manu-Sarabjot for Paris Olympics bronze win
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/HsIqgWYPtv#ManuBhaker #ParisOlympics #Olympics #SarabjotSingh #shooting pic.twitter.com/sXpFA7file
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 30, 2024
The sporting community has rallied in celebration of this achievement. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised the duo on social media, highlighting Bhaker’s historic accomplishment. Tendulkar wrote, “Congratulations, @realmanubhaker & @Sarabjotsingh30, for winning the bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. The entire nation stands tall with pride!”
You two have brought our medal no. 2!
Congratulations, @realmanubhaker & @Sarabjotsingh30, for winning the 🥉 in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. The entire nation stands tall with pride! 🇮🇳
Special mention to @realmanubhaker for creating history by becoming the first… pic.twitter.com/OynkY9s4AF
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 30, 2024
Abhinav Bindra, who made history as India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist in 2008, also lauded the pair. He noted, “Manu & Sarabjot: You’ve done what no Indian shooting pair has done before. India’s first Olympic shooting team medal. Savour this moment, you’ve earned it!”
Manu & Sarabjot: You've done what no Indian shooting pair has done before. India's first Olympic shooting team medal. Savour this moment, you've earned it! Proud 👏 🇮🇳 #Olympics2024 #Paris2024 #Shooting #ManuBhaker #SarabjotSingh
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 30, 2024
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah commended the players for their outstanding performance, emphasizing the pride they have brought to the nation. He remarked, “Your resilience throughout the event was incredible. Cherish this moment – it brings immense pride to our nation!”
Second medal for India! 🥉 @realmanubhaker and @Sarabjotsingh30 ~ you both were clinical today at the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze medal match! 🔥 Your resilience throughout the event was incredible. 🙌 Cherish this moment – it brings immense pride to our nation! 🇮🇳…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 30, 2024
Gautam Gambhir, former Indian cricketer and current head coach, also praised Bhaker and Singh. “Superb performance @realmanubhaker and #SarabjotSingh! Second medal for India!” he tweeted.
High jump national record holder Tejaswin Shankar expressed admiration for the calmness exhibited by the athletes, saying, “The calmness on Manu and Sarabjot’s face is scary. True role models for all of us.”
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and former middle-order batter VVS Laxman joined in the congratulations. Ashwin tweeted, “Congratulations to @realmanubhaker and @Sarabjotsingh30 on the phenomenal achievement.” Laxman added, “You guys have made us super proud with your win in the Air Pistol Mixed team event.”
Bhaker and Singh’s bronze medal marks India’s first-ever shooting team medal in Olympic history. Their achievement is also notable as Bhaker joins an elite group of Indian athletes with multiple Olympic medals, including PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar.
In the qualification round of the mixed team 10m air pistol event, Bhaker and Singh had a combined score of 580-20x, securing their place in the medal rounds. Their consistent performance throughout the series ensured their spot in the final, where they ultimately triumphed over the South Korean team.
With this win, Bhaker and Singh have not only etched their names in Olympic history but have also significantly contributed to India’s medal tally at the Paris Olympics.
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