A calm and composed Manu Bhaker scripted history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games. She achieved this remarkable feat by teaming up with an equally unruffled Sarabjot Singh to clinch the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze.
The Indian pair faced off against the Korean duo of Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin, securing victory with a score of 16-10 at Chateauroux’s shooting range. This achievement comes just days after Bhaker had earlier bagged the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the same venue, wiping away the memories of her challenging Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.
While British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard had won two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics, Bhaker’s achievement stands out as the first time an Indian woman has won two medals in a single Olympic edition since India gained independence.
Sarabjot Singh, who hails from a farming family, also found redemption in this victory. After a disappointing individual competition, he expressed his happiness and relief at contributing to India’s medal tally alongside Bhaker.
The Indians started on the wrong foot but quickly turned things around. Bhaker’s consistency and Sarabjot’s poise propelled them to victory, making it a one-sided contest. With this historic triumph, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have etched their names in Indian sporting history, bringing pride and joy to the nation. 🥉2
India’s medal tally at the Paris Olympics now stands at two, both from the shooting range. The nation is jubilant as this historic achievement not only elevates the country’s position in the world of sports but also inspires millions of young athletes to pursue their dreams.
