Manu Bhaker: Double Bronze, Narrow Miss for Hat-trick

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, bringing glory to her home state of Haryana and the entire nation. The 22-year-old athlete's performance has captured the hearts of millions, despite falling short of a third medal in the 25m women's pistol event. 

Bhaker's journey to Olympic success has been one of perseverance and growth. After a disappointing showing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where a malfunctioning pistol derailed her chances, she bounced back with renewed focus and determination. Her hard work paid off in Paris, where she secured two bronze medals in different shooting events. 

The young shooter's path to the finals of the 25m pistol event was impressive. In the qualification round, Bhaker finished second with a score of 590 points, showcasing her precision with 294 points and her rapid-fire skills with 296 points. This performance placed her just behind Hungary's Veronika Major, who topped the qualification with 592 points.

Although Bhaker missed out on adding a third medal to her tally in the 25m pistol final, her overall performance at the Olympics has been nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to overcome past setbacks and deliver on the world's biggest sporting stage demonstrates her mental strength and dedication to the sport. Hailing from Jhajjar district in Haryana, Bhaker has become a source of pride for her home state and a role model for aspiring athletes across India. Her success story is particularly significant given the challenges she faced after the Tokyo Olympics, where technical issues with her equipment hampered her performance. 

Bhaker's achievements in Paris have not only added to India's medal count but have also highlighted the country's growing prowess in shooting sports. Her success is expected to inspire a new generation of shooters and contribute to the development of the sport in India.

As the Olympics continue, Bhaker's two bronze medals stand as a testament to her skill, resilience, and the bright future of Indian shooting. While she may have missed out on a hat-trick of medals, her performance has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics and Indian sports history.