Manu Bhaker Makes History as First Indian Woman Shooter to Win Olympic Medal

Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, earning bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Games. This is India's first Olympic shooting medal since 2012, ending a 12-year drought. Bhaker hails from Jhajjar, Haryana, and scored 221.7 to secure the medal.

A resilient Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze in the 10m air pistol event here on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for her country at the Paris Games.

This historic triumph opened India's account at the Olympics while ending a 12-year wait for its much-hyped shooters. The last time India secured shooting medals was during the 2012 London edition, with rapid-fire pistol shooter Vijay Kumar winning silver and 10m air rifle marksman Gagan Narang clinching bronze. Narang is currently the chef de mission of the Paris contingent.

The 22-year-old Bhaker, hailing from Jhajjar in Haryana, fought relentlessly to earn the bronze with a score of 221.7. Korea's Kim Yeji claimed the silver with a total of 241.3, while her compatriot Jin Ye Oh took the gold with a Games record of 243.2. Bhaker was competing in her second Olympics after facing disappointment in the previous edition.