Dear Indians, we come bearing great news! Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in a single Olympic Games! She teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch the bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event on Tuesday. The Indian duo triumphed over Korea’s Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin with a score of 16-10, securing India’s second medal at the Chateauroux shooting range, reported The Week.
This victory came after 22-year-old Bhaker won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event on Sunday. This was a significant comeback for Bhaker, who faced disappointment during her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.
Manu Bhaker’s achievement is particularly notable as she is the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics since Norman Pritchard’s two silver medals in the 1900 Olympic Games, which was before India gained independence.
This is a remarkable milestone for women’s sports in India and a sweet redemption for Sarabjot Singh, who narrowly missed the finals in the men’s 10m air pistol event, finishing ninth on Saturday with a score of 577.
According to TOI, celebrations have erupted in Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh’s families.
“Today, Manu has done wonders,” said Sumedha Bhaker, Manu’s mother.
“This is big news for the whole country. I thank the countrymen for giving their love and blessings to Manu and also helping her in tough times,” her father, Ramkrishna Bhaker said.
Manu Bhaker’s parents are seen holding the Indian tri-colour high up while celebrating her exceptional achievement:
#WATCH | Faridabad, Haryana | Shooter Manu Bhaker’s parents celebrate after their daughter scripts history by winning two Olympic medals in the ongoing Games in Paris pic.twitter.com/ifatEb039C
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
On the other hand, Sarabjot Singh’s father, Jitendra Singh, is seen celebrating in Ambala, Haryana, alongside Assistant Coach Gaurav Saini.
“There will be celebrations in our village,” Singh said.
#WATCH | Shooter Sarabjot Singh’s father, Jitender Singh, Assistant Coach Gaurav Saini and others celebrate in Ambala, Haryana.
At #ParisOlympics2024, shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh brought India its second medal as they won Bronze in 10m Air Pistol Mixed team event. pic.twitter.com/yTR3j22L43
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
This is not all. Manu Bhaker will next be seen in action in the 25m women’s pistol qualification on August 2 and has a good chance of making the finals. This means that she has a chance to grab another medal!
Congratulations to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for their incredible performances and for making India proud!