In a thrilling and historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won India’s second bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event on Day 4. This achievement not only showcases India’s growing prowess in shooting sports but also marks a significant milestone for both athletes.
The Match: A Display of Skill and Composure
The Indian duo faced off against the South Korean team of Wonho Lee and Jin Ye Oh in a highly competitive bronze medal match. Despite a shaky start where Korea took the first round with a score of 20.5 to India’s 18.8, Bhaker and Singh quickly regained their composure. They clinched the second round, with Manu Bhaker scoring an impressive 10.7 and Sarabjot Singh following closely with a 10.5, outscoring the Korean pair’s 19.9.
The third round continued India’s dominance, as both shooters scored 10.4 each, while Korea managed only 19.8. By the fourth round, India had extended their lead to 6-2, with Manu consistently scoring above 10. Even when Sarabjot slipped slightly with a 9.6, Manu’s solid performance secured another round win for the team.
As the match progressed, Korea briefly rallied, narrowing India’s lead to 10-6. However, the Indian pair maintained their focus, pushing the lead to 14-8 and eventually clinching the bronze medal with a final score of 16-10. The match concluded with a decisive round where Bhaker and Singh scored 19.6, sealing their victory and adding another medal to India’s tally at the Games.
Historic Milestones for Indian Shooting
This bronze medal is particularly special as it marks Sarabjot Singh’s first Olympic medal. For Manu Bhaker, it is a historic achievement, as she became the first Indian woman to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games. Earlier, Bhaker had won a bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event, which was India’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This dual accomplishment places her alongside Indian sports legends like Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, and PV Sindhu, who have also won multiple medals for India at the Summer Games.
A Bright Future for Indian Shooting
The success of Bhaker and Singh is a testament to India’s rising stature in the international shooting arena. Their teamwork, precision, and mental fortitude have earned them widespread admiration and have solidified India’s position as a formidable contender in the sport.
In the qualification round, Bhaker and Singh finished third with a total of 580 points, including 20 perfect shots, setting the stage for their medal-winning performance. The South Korean team they defeated scored 579 points with 18 perfect shots, indicating the closely contested nature of the event.
While Bhaker and Singh celebrated their bronze medal, other Indian shooters, including Rhythm Sangwan and Arjun Singh Cheema, also showed promise. Although Sangwan and Cheema missed the finals, finishing tenth with a score of 576, their performances signal a strong future for Indian shooting.
Conclusion
The bronze medal win by Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a proud moment for India and a significant achievement in the country’s sporting history. It highlights the dedication and skill of Indian shooters and their potential for future success on the global stage. As India continues to invest in its athletes and shooting infrastructure, the prospects for more victories and milestones in the sport are brighter than ever.
