Paris : Manu Bhaker has been an Indian icon in Paris Olympics 2024. She became the only Indian to clinch 2 medals in same edition of an Olympic. However, with much hopes and steller performance, she finished fourth in 25M Air Pistol Shooting, being short of winning 3rd medal.
Bhaker won 2 Bronze Medals in this Olympics in Women’s & Mixed Doubles 10 M Air Pistol Shooting, the only shooter and Indian to do so.
However, 25M Air Pistol Shooting, which is also one of her pet event saw her felling short in tie breaker and finishing at 4th place, thereby, missing a big chance to secure a hattrick of medals.
What Happened In The Match?
The final saw a challenging start for Bhaker, as she managed only 2 points in her opening series. However, she quickly regrouped, delivering a series of strong shots to climb into the top three. She showcased her talent with a perfect series, putting India in contention for another historic medal. The tension escalated during the shoot-off after tying for third with Major Veronika, who equalled the Olympic qualifying record. Unfortunately, Bhaker scored just 2 points, while Major secured 4, sealing Bhaker’s fate in fourth.
Manu Bhaker’s post Match Interview –
On getting nervous during the final match
In a post match interview, she admitted being nervous in the final match of 25M Shooting.
She said, “I got like really nervous about it, but again, I was trying my best to keep calm and to just try to do my best. But that was not enough”.
Finishing 4th & heartbreak
Manu looked heart broken after scoring 28 in the eight-shooter final and losing to Hungary’s Veronika Major, who went on to win the bronze medal, in the shoot-off.
Despite her historic Olympic final, she looked dejected finishing at 4th place. However, she remains on a positive note, looking forward to next missions.
“It (Olympics) turned out to be very good for me, but well, there’s always a next time so I’m already looking forward to the next one,” she said.
“I’m glad that I got two medals, but right now, I’m not very… well, fourth place is not a very good place,” said Manu with tears in her eyes.
Cutting off connections for Olympics
She also admitted cutting off all connections to focus on her Olympic goal.
“Honestly, I’ve been off the social media and I have not been checking my phone, so I don’t know what’s going on. But I just know that I was trying my best and I was trying to deliver a good performance,” she said.
Hard Work and Focusing on Next Goals
“In most of the events I was able to (give a good performance), and in this one, I was not able to do as good. The moment my match was over, I was like, ‘okay, the next time’,” said Manu, already setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“There has been a lot of hard work going on backstage. Like I’m here — what you see — but like so many people have been working hard so that I can make it to the podium and so that India can win a medal,” she said.
“I am so happy that my entire team was there for me to support me throughout my journey,” Manu added.
With such a historic journey coming to an end, Manu Bhaker could be India’s next big thing in Shooting.
