Manu Bhaker Secures Historic Bronze in Women's Air Pistol at Paris Olympics

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics. Her victory marks a historic achievement, as Bhaker becomes the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic medal in shooting.

The head coach of the Indian shooting contingent, Suma Shirur, expressed immense pride on Sunday following Manu Bhaker's historic medal win at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Bhaker clinched third place, securing a bronze medal in the Women's Air Pistol event.

In an interview with ANI, Suma Shirur remarked that Bhaker's bronze medal is a 'huge' accomplishment, noting that it will shift India's perspective at the Paris Olympics. 'Every Indian is very proud...Manu won a medal and the entire outlook changes. It is huge,' Suma Shirur commented.

At 22, Bhaker has become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. Her bronze, earned with a score of 221.7, is India's first medal at the event.

This victory is particularly significant as it serves as redemption for Bhaker, whose pistol malfunctioned at the Tokyo Olympics. She also became the first Indian woman in 20 years to reach an Olympic shooting final in an individual event since Suma Shirur in 2004. South Korea's Ye Jin took gold with an Olympic record of 243.2 points, while her compatriot Kim Yeji won silver with 241.3 points.

On the opening day, Bhaker finished third in the qualification round of Women's 10 Metre Air Pistol, securing her place in the final. Meanwhile, Rhythm Sangwan did not advance, finishing in 15th place. (ANI)