In an exhilarating showcase of skill and precision, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Their outstanding performance on Day 4 not only secured India's second bronze medal of the Games but also earned admiration from audiences worldwide, highlighting India's rising prowess in shooting.

Rising to the Challenge

The competition was intense, but Bhaker and Singh demonstrated exceptional teamwork and focus throughout the match. After a strong start, they led 4-2 after the third series and extended their advantage to 8-2 by the fifth. Despite a brief resurgence from the South Korean team, which brought the score to 10-6 after the eighth series, the Indian pair maintained their composure to secure a decisive 16-8 victory.

Manu Bhaker expressed her gratitude and pride following the win. "I feel really proud and a lot of gratitude... It is just blessings. Thanks for all the blessings and love. We can only control what is in our hands. I had a chat with my father regarding this and decided we keep fighting till the last shot," she shared. Her words reflected the determination and resilience that have characterized her journey.

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Sarabjot Singh, competing in his first Olympics, was thrilled with the outcome. He noted that the game was tough but felt great about their success.

A Historic Feat for India

This bronze medal is particularly significant for Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. She previously secured another bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, which marked India's first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Bhaker's achievements place her alongside legendary Indian athletes such as Norman Pritchard (athletics), Sushil Kumar (wrestling), and PV Sindhu (badminton), who have also won multiple medals at the Summer Games. However, no Indian has accomplished this feat within a single edition of the Games until Bhaker’s outstanding performance in Paris.

Meanwhile, the Turkish pair of Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec, who matched the Olympic qualification record with 582 points, advanced to compete for the gold medal against Serbia's Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec.

As the Indian shooting contingent continues to make strides on the global stage, the success of Bhaker and Singh serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation. Their performance underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team, bronze medal, Indian shooters**