The dust had yet to settle at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre after a momentous Sunday when Manu Bhaker secured India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics, winning bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol. This triumph ended a 12-year medal drought in shooting at the Games, bringing immense relief to the nation. Despite this victory, Manu focused more on the potential impact of her win than on the medal itself.
Terming herself a mere medium in the process, Manu predicted more medals at the Games. Her prophecy came true on Tuesday as the 22-year-old stepped up once more to create a moment unparalleled in the nation’s Olympic history.
It was the combination of a proven winner, Manu, and the fast-emerging talent of Sarabjot Singh that did India proud in the bronze-medal match of 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team. The duo prevailed 16-10 over the formidable Korean duo of Lee Wonho Lee and Oh Ye Jin, who won gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol with an Olympic record of 243.2 on Sunday.
This victory not only added to India’s sporting legacy with its first Olympic medal in the mixed event but also cemented Manu’s place in history. She became the first Indian to win two medals at a single Olympics since Independence.
The twin bronze medallist is in line for more glory as she prepares to compete in the 25m Pistol on Friday, with strong expectations of making it to the finals the following day.
Manu demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, especially given her recent success in the individual event. Sarabjot Singh, whose international career began just five years ago, also rose to the occasion despite a shaky start with an 8.6 opening shot that gave the first point to the Koreans. The 22-year-old had a personal reason to redeem himself after narrowly missing out on a spot in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol by a single inner 10.
Guided by Manu’s high scores, Sarabjot soon settled into his role, proving his growing reputation as a reliable competitor. A face saver at recent ISSF World Cups, Sarabjot was India’s lone gold medallist in Bhopal last year and another gold in Munich last month, highlighted his potential. Despite the heightened pressure of the Olympics, Sarabjot maintained his composure and delivered a commendable performance against the Koreans.
Prithviraj Tondaiman, the other Indian in action on the day, could not progress in Men’s Trap as he finished 21st in qualification with a score of 118.
Britian’s Nathan Hales shot 48 (123) in the final to equal the Olympic record but fell short of his world record score of 49, which he set in Lonato a year back. Silver went to China’s Qi Ying with a score of 44 (123), while Guatemala’s Jean Pierre Brol Cardenas secured the bronze with 35 (122) points.