New Delhi: On the fourth day of the Paris Olympics 2024, India celebrated a significant achievement as Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured a bronze medal in the men’s 10m air pistol mixed team event. This victory not only bolsters India’s medal count but also underscores Bhaker’s remarkable performance at these Games.

Manu Bhaker has etched her name in Olympic history by becoming the first Indian female athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic year. Her exceptional performance, alongside Sarabjot Singh, was a testament to their skill and teamwork. The duo’s precision and strategic shooting proved pivotal, earning them a spot on the podium and enhancing India’s reputation in the shooting sport.

As the excitement from the mixed team event continues, the focus shifts to the ongoing trap qualification rounds. Competitors from around the globe are currently engaged in these events, striving to secure their places in the finals and potentially add to their country’s medal tally. The shooting range is a hive of activity, with athletes aiming to achieve their best performances.

Today’s events have been a source of immense pride for Indian sports enthusiasts, celebrating Manu Bhaker’s historic achievement and Sarabjot Singh’s commendable performance. With the Games progressing, the anticipation builds for more impressive displays from athletes across various disciplines. The Olympic spirit remains vibrant, reflecting the dedication and excellence of competitors from around the world.

New Delhi: Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by winning a bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the Paris Olympics. This achievement marks India’s first medal of these Games and ends a 12-year wait for a medal in shooting. Bhaker’s success highlights the crucial role played by the Khelo India program in her journey.

Bhaker’s bronze medal makes her the first female Indian shooter to claim an Olympic medal and only the second Indian overall, following Vijay Kumar’s silver at the London 2012 Olympics. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya attributed Bhaker’s success to the Khelo India initiative, which offers essential training, infrastructure, and resources. This program includes talent identification, athlete development, and international exposure through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bhaker on her impressive performance and commended the government’s efforts in providing top-tier facilities and personalized coaching to athletes. Modi praised Bhaker’s resilience and the historical significance of her win as India’s first female shooting medalist. He emphasized the government’s dedication to improving sports infrastructure and supporting athletes.

On social media, Modi celebrated Bhaker’s victory and her comeback from a setback at the Tokyo Olympics, where a gun malfunction had affected her performance. He described her achievement as a landmark moment for Indian sports and extended his heartfelt congratulations.

Bhaker’s accomplishment underscores the success of the Khelo India initiative in fostering and supporting athletic talent, setting the stage for future achievements on the global stage.

New Delhi: Table tennis sensation Manika Batra, who made headlines by clinching gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, is optimistic about India’s chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Batra played a crucial role in securing India’s qualification for the Paris Games, marking a historic first for the nation in table tennis. She is confident that the team has a strong chance of winning a medal, given their recent performances and preparation.

Batra’s confidence is backed by her impressive recent form, including reaching the quarter-finals of the WTT Saudi Smash, where she defeated top-ranked players like Wang Manyu of China and Nina Mittelham of Germany. In an interview with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), Batra expressed her excitement about the team’s progress and their preparation for the Olympics. “India qualifying for the first time is a major achievement,” she said. She credited UTT for providing valuable opportunities to train with international players, which has greatly contributed to the team’s growth.

Reflecting on her experience from the Tokyo Olympics, Batra has adopted a more focused approach. “I’ve learned a lot from the last Olympics and intend to avoid repeating those mistakes. My mindset has evolved; I am now calmer and more confident,” she noted. India will compete in both individual and team events at the Paris Olympics, and after the Games, Batra and other leading players will join the IndianOil UTT 2024 in Chennai, continuing their competitive journey.