Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Secure Bronze at Paris Olympics

Paris. In an exhilarating display of precision and teamwork, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This victory adds another feather to India's cap in the international shooting arena.

Final Round: A Decisive Victory

In the final round, Bhaker and Singh faced off against the formidable Republic of Korea. The Indian duo emerged victorious with a score of 16-10 after a series of 13 shots. This win not only secured the bronze medal but also marked a significant achievement in India's Olympic history.

Manu Bhaker's Historic Achievement

This bronze medal is Manu Bhaker's second medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making her the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. Bhaker's previous bronze came in the women’s 10m air pistol event, where she finished with a score of 221.7. She is also a contender in the upcoming women’s 25m pistol event, with hopes of securing a third medal.

Qualification Round Performance

In the qualification round, Bhaker and Singh showcased their exceptional skills, scoring 580 in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Qualification Round. Their performance demonstrated their readiness and determination to compete at the highest level.

Profiles: Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh

Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Jhajjar, Haryana, has been a trailblazer in Indian shooting. Initially participating in sports like tennis, skating, boxing, and a martial art called 'thang ta', Bhaker found her true calling in shooting at the age of 14. Her rise in the sport was meteoric, winning nine gold medals at the 2017 National Shooting Championships and continuing to impress on the international stage. Manu has been a former competitor of the Khelo India Games and is a Target Olympic Podium Scheme Athlete.

Key Achievements:

• Asian Games 2022: Gold Medal in 25m Pistol Team
• World Championship, Baku 2023: Gold Medal in 25m Pistol Team
• World Cup, Bhopal 2023: Bronze Medal in 25m Pistol
• World Championship, Cairo 2022: Silver Medal in 25m Pistol

Government Support:

• Assistance for ammunition and weapon servicing
• Financial assistance under TOPS: Rs. 28,78,634/-
• Financial assistance under ACTC: Rs. 1,35,36,155/-

Background: Bhaker's journey began after the 2016 Rio Olympics. She stunned the shooting community by breaking records and winning medals at a young age. Her dedication and talent have made her a prominent figure in Indian sports.

Sarabjot Singh

Sarabjot Singh, born on August 30, 2001, in Ambala, Haryana, discovered his passion for shooting at a summer camp. Initially aspiring to be a footballer, Singh's encounter with shooting changed his career path. Training under coach Abhishek Rana, Singh has made significant strides in the sport.

Key Achievements:

• Asian Games 2022: Gold medal in team event, Silver in mixed team event
• Asian Championship, Korea 2023: Bronze medal in the 10m air pistol individual event
• World Cup, Bhopal 2023: Gold medal in the Individual event
• Junior World Championship, Lima 2021: 2 Gold medals in team and mixed team events

Government Support:

• Training and participation assistance for international competitions
• Financial assistance under TOPS: Rs. 20,24,928/-
• Financial assistance under ACTC: Rs. 1,26,20,970/-
• Sarabjot Singh has been a Khelo India athlete since 2019 and has participated in 4 Khelo India Games as well as is a Target Olympic Podium Scheme athlete.

Background: Hailing from a farming family, Singh's dedication to shooting has been unwavering. His journey from a makeshift range to international podiums is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Conclusion

The remarkable achievements of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh at the Paris 2024 Olympics reflect not only their individual talent and hard work but also the significant support from various government schemes and their training infrastructure. Their success stories inspire aspiring athletes and underscore India's growing prowess in international shooting sports.