New Delhi: Manu Bhaker scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win a medal at the Olympic Games. The young shooter finished third in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics to break India’s 12-year-long shooting medal drought at the Olympics and open India’s account in the 33rd edition of the Summer Olympics.
The 22-year-old ace shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana claimed a bronze medal after finishing third in the final with a score of 221.7 at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.
It was a sensational performance by Bhaker who gained the 2nd spot in the overall rankings after aggregating 50.4 with her first five shots. She eventually fell down the pecking order behind the dominant South Korean duo of Kim Yeji and Oh Ye Jin but still managed to clinch a historic bronze.
Wishes and congratulatory messages poured in from all quarters following Bhaker’s incredible performance. From President Droupadi Murmu to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sachin Tendulkar, renowned personalities from all walks of life hailed the performance of the Haryana shooter.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were among those who congratulated the shooter on her win. Mandaviya also revealed the hard work and expenditure that went behind Bhaker’s training.
How much money was spent on Manu Bhaker’s training?
Sports Minister Mandavia told news agency ANI that Bhaker has benefitted greatly from the Indian government’s Khelo India initiative. He also revealed the whopping amount the Indian government spent on Bhaker’s training.
“Around Rs 2 crore was spent on Manu Bhaker’s training. She was sent to Germany and Switzerland for training. Financial help was provided which was needed for her to hire a coach who she wanted. We are providing this ecosystem to all athletes so that they give best performance at national and international competitions. I am confident that our athletes will perform well in Paris Olympics too,” he told ANI.
Bhaker is in the fray for a second medal in Paris after qualifying for a bronze medal match in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team qualification. Bhaker and her partner Sarabjot Singh finished third in the qualifying round to set up bronze medal match against n Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho of South Korea.
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Paris 2024 Olympics: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed the hard work and expenditure that went behind Manu Bhaker’s training. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today